Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 119:17-24
Ps 119:17-24 Gimel
17 Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22 Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24 Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
James 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
According to the preamble of the constitution of our nation, it is the inalienable right of every citizen to pursue life, liberty and happiness. What it does not tell us is that the only true freedom and happiness comes from following the word of God. Only in Jesus can we find life, both abundant and eternal. Our happiness and joy come when we make the decision to trust God and allow him to control our lives. He knows what is best for us and how we should live our lives.
But why does God want us to obey him? In our society, obedience has become a “dirty” word that is considered taboo for modern mankind. Obedience implies that we have given up our freedom and that we are subservient to another. This is true but we all serve something or someone. In Christ, we have chosen to become his instead of living for Satan and for sin. Jesus is a loving master who gives life.
Serving sin will only lead to further sin and misery. The “cure” it offers is more of the same that leads eventually to eternal death. The devil is the great deceiver and the Father of lies who wants to take us with him into eternal destruction. His way will never bring true joy but only emptiness, anxiety, and bitterness.
Father God, it is with joy that I come to you in Jesus Christ; knowing you will hear me and will answer my prayer. I want to follow you and your word, so I need your constant help, your wisdom, and your strength. Help me determine each day to obey your word and live for you. Help me continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Be with your people wherever they are and give them your strength to be strong and faithful to you. Help me think on things that are true and lovely, honest and pure. Keep me focused on Jesus and obeying you in every way. I humbly pray in his name.
Robert
