REJOICING IN THE RULES?!
I rejoiceH7797 in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.
Psalm 119:14
“Testimonies” can also be translated decrees, laws, rules, or instructions. How many children do you know who REJOICE because of their parents’ rules? As adults we realize all the rules and instructions, the “laying down of the law” in our childhood homes was for our own good, but we sure could not see it at the time. Children are convinced curfews and limitations are meant to keep them from having fun; but their parents are attempting to keep them safe in a dangerous, fallen world. The same is true for the rules the Lord has set forth for us in the Bible. They are designed to help us navigate this world by sticking to the path He has chosen for us, the path that keeps us in constant “familyship” with Jesus, our best Friend. Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13-14). In Psalm 119:1, we learned that we are to “walk in the light” which is reinforced by 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” When we realize that the commands in God’s word help us to walk in the light, and walking in the light deepens our relationship with Jesus and fellow believers, then we can truly rejoice in God’s rules. Jesus is the Captain of the Host, the Lord of God’s armies:
Joshua 5:13-15 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
He commands us, and we need to obey immediately like Joshua did. When we truly see the value of God’s word, His instructions, we will treasure it more than any earthly riches. Adults who had loving parents treasure the instructions they were given as children because they now understand the intent was to protect them rather than annoy them. Mature believers are thankful for the commands found in the Bible because we know God uses them to guide us.
Is there any area of your life that you know is in conflict with the word of God? If so, confess it as sin, and ask the Lord to cleanse you. Do not resist God’s rules and ways. Instead learn to rely on them and rejoice in them.
Father, help us to treasure Your rules rather than to rebel against them. Help us to seek Your will and Your ways each day. Empower us to be obedient children and faithful soldiers under Your command.