Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Obedience and Joy
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. (Psalm 119:2-3 NLT)
When Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph, it was his love for God that functioned as a deterrent. It kept him from sinning. Joseph said, “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God” (Genesis 39:9 NLT).
When we keep God’s commandments, we should keep them with all our hearts because we love God. We should want to keep them.
Of course, the devil will try to stop us from walking according to God’s commands. He will set traps for us and try to trip us up. He wants to keep us from living holy and happy lives.
Some people see God’s laws as restrictive, as things that prevent them from really enjoying life. However, His commands protect us from the things that can harm us. And keeping His commands is the way to live life to its fullest. Therefore, the law is something that we should want to keep.
The psalmist wrote, “Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts” (Psalm 119:2 NLT). A few verses later we read, “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word” (verse 9 NLT).
I think we all recognize that young people today are facing some serious temptations. But this principle also applies to every Christian. If you want to live a clean life, you must obey the Word of God.
This means not just reading the Bible but doing what it says. As someone pointed out, “It is not how you mark your Bible; it’s how your Bible marks you.”
Read God’s Word with a desire to apply it to your life. It’s attention with intention. If you will apply yourself wholly to the Scriptures and apply the Scriptures wholly to yourself, it will have an impact on your life.
Copyright © 2023 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com and weekly podcast on LifeAudio.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
In thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of Jesus Revolution by Greg Laurie
God used the Jesus Movement to reach an entire generation with the hope of the gospel. In Jesus Revolution, Greg Laurie shares the true story behind this spiritual awakening and the people God used to change countless lives. Written with Ellen Vaughn, this book offers an inspiring look at how revival spread during one of America’s most turbulent decades.
Support Harvest Ministries this month and receive Jesus Revolution as our thank-you gift. For gifts of $50 or more, you’ll also receive the Jesus Revolution DVD to enjoy and share with others.
Was this resource helpful? Add Christianity.com as a trusted source for Biblical content.
