How important is it to follow God’s instructions? Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible containing 176 verses. Just in the first 80 verses, there are at least 45 references to God’s decrees, commandments, and instructions.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:4-5
Think about that. The Psalmist makes a reference of more than 1 in every 2 verses on obeying God. I believe he thought it was important to take the “charge” very seriously.
I don’t know about you, but I enjoy being joyful! Look at verses 1-3 that tell us how we can have and maintain a joyful life.
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. Psalm 119:1-3
First by being a person of integrity. What does that mean? That you follow the instructions of the Lord when no one else but God can see you. Then the second thing in those two verses is you obey God’s laws without compromise. When you make a statement like, “well it’s not that bad.” You have just compromised.
Then in verses 5-6 the Psalmist says he wants his life to line up with God’s commands.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Psalm 119:5-6
Why Follow God’s Instructions?
- Why does he see the importance of God’s instructions?
- Through those instructions, the Lord expands our understanding.
- They help us establish our priorities.
- His instructions help us not to be swayed by political correctness.
- We also have freedom when we devote ourselves to his commandments.
He goes on to say we must rejoice in God’s ways more so than working to make money. He hammers that thought down in verse 72:
The words you speak to me are worth more than all the riches and wealth in the whole world! Psalm 119:72 TPT
The writer laid out the uncompromising loyalty he had to the Lord. We also may be living a life fully devoted to God. But all of us, even the writer of this Psalm have those weak moments. We have those times where God in our hearts and minds ranks right up there.
But our actions at times can tell a different story. And when it’s all said and done we want to hide someplace because of what we had just done. What is written in verse 73 is just for those moments.
You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Psalm 119:73
What a sensible prayer! I don’t know about you, but I personally like having joy, living with integrity, and staying away from compromising with evil. This is where the rubber meets the road. It simply comes down to living the way God wants you to live.
Lord, we do have those times when we falter. Please forgive us for those moments. And Jesus, give us the sense to continually follow your commands.
Related Posts
The apostle John also wrote about joy. You can read the post called How To Experience Complete Joy In The Lord
Even if you don’t read the entire Psalm 119, at least read the first 73 verses.
You would enjoy reading the cornerstone post on discipleship called How To Be An Effective Devoted Disciple Of Jesus
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