November 01st, 2021

This week’s thought is written by Pauline Anderson.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

I was reminiscing recently about some of the rules that were forced upon me as a young child. For example, there was the one that barred me from putting my tiny fingers into electric sockets!! As a three year old, I found these fascinating and wondered what would happen if I slipped my fingers inside. Thankfully, because of a watchful mother and strict rules, I never found out. 

Then there was the rule about how and where to cross a road!! For goodness sake, why did my mother have to keep banging on about this one? Although I didn’t fully understand then, it kept me alive long enough until I did understand. 

I didn’t like the rules, but, then again, I don’t think that I was too different from most children who probably shared my antipathy to rules. I found them restrictive. 

I recently came across a man who loved rules. He consistently spoke in glowing, even passionate terms, about them. I don’t know his name, but he was the writer of the longest Psalm in the Bible, Psalm 119.

Here are some examples of what he wrote:

Psalm 119:5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

Psalm 119:15 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Psalm 119:20 I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.

Psalm 119:30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. 

Why was the Psalmist so passionate about obeying the rules? Well, let’s look at some of the benefits he discovered from obeying God’s commands.

JOY
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.  (Psalm119:1,2)

FREEDOM
I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. (Psalm 119:45)

COMFORT
I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. (Psalm 119:52)

BLESSING 
Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!  With all my heart I want your blessings. (Psalm 119:57,58)

WISDOM
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. (Psalm119:98)

Friend, the next time you are tempted to side-step something God is asking of you, just remember what you could be forfeiting as a result of that. The Psalmist understood that God’s rules were a sign of His great love and concern for him, just as my parents’ rules were for me. Meditate on them as the Psalmist did and let them be a lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path that will lead you into a deeper revelation of the great love of our great God. 

Pauline Anderson