Joy in God’s Ways
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” Psalm 119:1,2 NLT
“Following the rules” is usually equated with harsh discipline and a sad demeanor. Yet, the longest Psalm that extols God’s Word, laws and ways quickly points to the opposite.
People of integrity can be joyful, because they have, “nothing to hide.” When life is consistent, there is a freedom that comes to life that brings peace and contentment. John reminds us, “…this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…” (1 John 5:3 NIV)
We are reminded that joy comes from being an active and diligent seeker after the Lord. Walking in His ways and in His presence results in joy. David declared, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV) We also read, “…Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 144:15 NLT)
In this first stanza of Psalm 119 we find the psalmist expressing how often we miss out on the joy the Lord has for us. “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (Psalm 119:5 NLT) That is an expression we can all relate to. When we fail to live by God’s standards it is reflected in our life and in our countenance. What is important is the desire of our heart and the trajectory of our life.
Our path with the Lord is not always a straight upward line of progress and faithfulness. But it can be an overall trajectory of progress upward in the course of our life. That is what matters most.
When we follow the Lord’s ways and keep from “compromising with evil” we experience the joy the Lord has for us. Making that our aim is a good starting place.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the joy that comes to our life when we follow Your ways and live with integrity. Help us to remember that You desire the best for our life. As a parent with a child, You see what we can’t see. You know what we don’t know. Our duty is to trust You to obey You and to experience all the You have for us in this life and the one to come.