Send to Kindleby Robin McKinley
Narrated by Artificial Intellingience – Andrew
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How important is it to follow God’s instructions? Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, contains 176 verses. The first 80 verses contain at least 45 references to God’s decrees, commandments, and instructions.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:4-5
Think about that. The Psalmist averaged more than one reference to obeying God every two verses. I believe he thought taking the “charge” very seriously was important.
I don‘t know about you, but I enjoy being joyful! The first three verses tell us that we can not only have a joyful life, but it also tells us how to maintain that joy.
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 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 119:1-3
What does being a person of integrity mean? It’s when you do what God has instructed you to do, even when no one else but He can see you.
The second way those verses say you can maintain a joyful life comes when you obey God‘s laws without any compromise.
You initiate compromise when you make statements like, “What I did wasn’t that bad.“ Or you say something like, “I know what the Bible says, but God understands.“
If you are anything like the Psalmist, you will want your life to align with God‘s commands. He wrote about what he wanted his actions to reflect in the next couple of verses.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Psalm 119:5-6
Reasons why the Psalmist saw the importance of God’s instructions.
Through those instructions, the Lord expands our understanding.
They help us establish our priorities.
His instructions help us not to be swayed by political correctness.
We also have freedom when we devote ourselves to his commandments.
As we skip to verse 72, he tells us how much of a priority rejoicing in God‘s ways should be because His instructions are priceless.
Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalm 119:72
The writer laid out his uncompromising loyalty to the Lord. I hope that you also are living a life entirely devoted to God.
Even at that, all of us, even the writer of this Psalm have had those weak moments. During those times, however, we would never admit that our relationship with Him might be waning.
At the same time, our actions tell a different story. Then, when we realize what we’ve said or done, we want to disappear or find a place to hide from God. Thank the Lord for verse 73
You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Psalm 119:73,76
What a sensible prayer! I don‘t know about you, but I like having joy, living with integrity, and avoiding compromising with evil.
This is where the rubber meets the road. It simply comes down to living the way God wants you to live.
Lord, we do have those times when we falter. Please forgive us for those moments. And Lord, give us the sense to continually follow your commands.
About the Author:
Robin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.
Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”. He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.
These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.
Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.
