KEEPING COMMANDMENTS PROVIDES PEACE
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
for they will add length to your days, years and peaceH7965 to your life.
Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:1-6
Warren Wiersbe explains how to seek God’s guidance:
3:1–4 Throughout this chapter conditions are given for receiving God’s guidance. The first condition is that we learn God’s truth. The will of God is revealed in the Word of God (Col. 1:9, 10), and the only way to know His will is to study His Word and obey it. By receiving the Word within our hearts, we experience growth in godly character, so that loyalty and kindness become beautiful ornaments in our lives (Prov. 1:9; 3:3). It isn’t enough for believers to carry the Bible in their hands; they must let the Holy Spirit write God’s Word on their hearts (3:3; 7:3; 2 Cor. 3:1–3). Obedience to the Word can add years to our lives and life to our years. (27)
Early in my discipleship journey, I (Susie) was told to memorize specific Scripture verses to guide me. We were challenged to memorize two of them per week in the Navigator’s™ discipleship program we were using. Many years later, I helped my elementary school students memorize verses by setting them to music. Two verses to memorize in your quest to follow Jesus and be conformed to His image by the Holy Spirit are:
Psalm 119:9, 11 (AMP) How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts]. Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
We acquire peace with God when we trust Jesus’s finished work on the cross to save us from the wrath of God. That’s a done deal, and we have peace with God from then on. However, to truly experience the peace of God in our lives, we need to live according to His commandments and precepts found in the Bible, not out of fear but because we love Him and want to please Him. Remember that Proverbs are a generalization. This passage does not promise we will all live to be 100 years old.
We like what Warren Wiersbe surmises at the end of the quote above that “Obedience to the Word can add years to our lives and life to our years.” Susan’s family was told that she would do good to live 24 years. She just celebrated her 58th birthday!!! PTL! However, that is not the biggest miracle. The greater thing God has done for her is to make those years abundant, full, and productive even though she is classified as quadriplegic. The Lord has added life to her days, and through our sistership, has added life to mine.
Try beginning each day reminding yourself of God’s precepts to follow them and His promises to be encouraged. Perhaps memorize the passage above and recite it first thing in the morning. Ask Him to bring more abundant life to you each day as His Holy Spirit teaches you to be more and more like His Son, Jesus. Then your life will be not only more blessed for you, but you will be a channel of blessing to others. Our godly character will be the most attractive thing about us, even more than expensive jewelry or fancy clothing.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (VOICE) Don’t focus on decorating your exterior by doing your hair or putting on fancy jewelry or wearing fashionable clothes; let your adornment be what’s inside—the real you, the lasting beauty of a gracious and quiet spirit, in which God delights.
Father, like the old hymn says, “Make me a blessing today.” When we are at peace with You and enjoy Your peace in our lives, we will live lives that overflow with love, peace, and grace to others. Please keep our focus on You and continue to conform us to the image of Christ.
John 10:10 (AMP) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
Worship with the Gaither Vocal Band singing “Fully Alive”: