Love the law

“Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:164,165 NIV 

Sure. I get it. In a world full of seemingly ordinary people, many of us want to be different and stand out. Which is why it didn’t surprise me to see several runners with their bibs pinned to the back of their shirts recently, rather than on the front as the race rules clearly state they should be placed. And while they will no doubt be issued an official finishing time as the timing chip located on the bib will still register, they will not be easily located in the photos nor be able to easily dispute a timing error or any cheating claim that might come against them, proving that it certainly pays to follow the rules. 

And you know, when it comes to following rules and laws, many people believe God gave us the Ten Commandments to keep us from having fun and enjoying life. But quite the opposite is true as David came to understand. You see, after David broke the rules by committing adultery with Bathsheba and then having her husband killed to hide the affair, he soon suffered the dire and long-lasting consequences for his actions - and quickly learned that breaking God’s laws only leads to heartbreak, guilt and separation from the Father. This realization prompted David to repent and write, “I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law...” David came to love the law because he discovered it wasn’t a burden but his safeguard!

Perhaps, like David, you have broken the rules and are experiencing the consequences of your decisions today as well? If that’s you my friend, I have good news! It’s never too late to repent and experience the “great peace” that comes from a restored relationship with the Lord. Simply ask for forgiveness and then commit yourself to His “righteous ways.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that your laws are for our safety and not to hold us back from enjoying life. Help us to understand that obeying Your commands keeps us from experiencing the dreadful consequences that sin always creates. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Change this heart - Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YTZq37OpMw