Law

When you raise a teenager it often appears that rules function more as straitjackets than sweet blessings. The desire for independence is stronger in some of us than others. There are many adults who never grow out of the constant questioning of authority.

How often have you heard the phrase, hopefully stated in jest, “Rules were meant to be broken”? No matter how you slice it there is something distinctly rebellious within the heart of mankind to rage against past restrictions, to question current authority, and to make new rules to break the current rules. Teens struggle with this as they search for independence. Adults struggle with this to prove their independence.

When it comes to the Law of God, the man after God’s own heart, though imperfect, actually strove for obedience. He longed to remain within God’s acceptance and will. He memorized the words of God. He studied them daily. David, the king in the lineage of Jesus, loved the Law of God. He treasured it. He wrote beautiful love songs and poetry about it.

Take a sip of coffee and read this:

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
– Psalm 19

1. When you are struggling in life with temptation, when you feel rebellious, do you go to the word of God for direction? Do you make excuses based on the knowledge that we all fall short? Do you allow the bible to direct your decisions?

2. Are you a part of a community of believers that consistently directs you toward the word of God for answers, for comfort, for direction? Do the people around you revere the word of God highly? Are there bible heroes in your life from whom you learn? If not, why?

3. How often do you thank God for His law? Do you spend more time embittered at obedience or are you thankful for the law which King David says is sweeter than honey? Has the honey become vinegar in your mouth? Did the law change or did your heart?

Take time to be grateful for directives in scripture today.

 

–Caryn