Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. … You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Psalm 119:1-2,4 When you hear the term “God’s law” or “God’s statutes” or “God’s precepts” does happiness come to mind? I doubt it. What likely comes to mind are “rules” or “stipulations” or “demands.” Then if you are feeling rebellious, what comes to mind is “stuffiness” or “constriction” or “killjoy.” If you are feeling guilty, what comes to mind is “disobedience” or “sin” or “shame.” And then what comes to mind is “wrath” or “punishment” or “damnation.” God’s law, just on the surface, hardly brings happy thoughts. But Psalm 119 says otherwise. Psalm 119 says, “Blessed are they who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes.” How can that be? You need to know that “God’s law” in Psalm 119 has the basic meaning of “instruction” or “teaching,” and it includes both the law and the gospel. It includes the first thoughts you had of “God’s law,” which slap in you in the face with God’s holy, immutable will and crush you with your sinful rebellion. But it also includes God’s love to all who turn to the Lord in repentance. That love soothes your heart with peace and forgiveness and assures you of a Savior, the One who ultimately died for your sins on the cross. I pray that you see how blessed you are to know both the law and the gospel. Imagine where you would be if you only knew God’s law. You’d either be lost in hopeless despair or you’d be so full of yourself that no one, not even God, could stand it. But imagine where you would be if you only knew God’s gospel and never heard the law. You’d either be indifferent toward the cross of your Savior, Jesus Christ, or you’d be singing a meaningless “kumbaya.” To know the law and the gospel is to know why you want to “seek the Lord with all your heart.” Where else can you find the solution to your sin and shame? And where else can you find a God who loves you as much as your God does in spite of your sin and shame? Yes, you find it in the Word of God. There’s true happiness. Prayer: Dear Lord, may your Word grant me spiritual joy that comforts my soul, contents my heart, and permeates my life. Then I know I will be truly happy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:43:40 +0000
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