Verse of the Day - Psalm 119:73

You created me and put me together. Make me wise enough to learn what you have commanded. ~ Psalm 119:37 (CEV)

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The writer of this psalm gets the marathon award -- 176 verses in one chapter! And as I scrolled quickly through it this morning, almost every single verse mentions God's law, God's ways, God's instruction as something he delights in, enjoys, revels in, and values greater that all else! Does that sound a little weird to you, a little fanatical? Maybe it does, but what a picture of devotion to God and a heart for obedience -- an example we should want to follow.

The psalmist writes about various issues in his life, trials and difficulties, but always chooses obedience. When people criticize and tease him for being a God follower, it hurts, but it doesn't dissuade him from staying the course. God's teachings and ways are life to him. He has experienced the deep joy of obedience to God, and stays hungry for wisdom and knowledge and greater dependence on Him.

Some would say that being tied to God's ways is slavery...but to the heart who has tasted God's love and mercy, it is a paradoxical freedom. The stronger the chains of obedience to God, the higher the flight of joy. Why? Because God's ways are right and true. Everything else is deceptive and worthless.

If you've lived a little while, you can attest to this truth -- I know I can. "The way of a man seems right to him, but in the end, it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25) How many of us can share testimony of biting the dust time and again when we listen to our own 'wisdom' and choose to walk our own way? No need for a show of hands...we've all exemplified the rightness of God's ways with disobedience. We're a myriad of "Exhibit A"s in God's courtroom that validate His truth.

I pray that we can learn to truly love God's ways and desire obedience as a great treasure. There is no better way to live than in harmony with God, so let's get in tune with Him and follow His direction. Beautiful music with God begins with obedience.

Love,
Joelene