PSALM 119:14 REJOICING IN THE RULES

REJOICING IN THE RULES

I have rejoiced

in the way of thy testimonies,

as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:14 (KJV)

Testimonies can also be translated decrees, laws, rules, or instructions. How many children do you know who REJOICE because of their parents’ rules? As adults we realize all the rules and instructions, the “laying down of the law” in our childhood homes was for our own good, but we sure could not see it at the time. Children are convinced curfews and limitations are meant to keep them from having fun, but their parents are attempting to keep them safe in a dangerous, fallen world. The same is true for the rules the Lord has set forth for us in the Bible. They are designed to help us navigate this world by sticking to the path He has chosen for us, the path that keeps us in constant fellowship with Jesus, our best Friend. Jesus Himself said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:13-14). In Psalm 119:1, we learned that we are to “walk in the light” which is reinforced by John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” When we realize that the commands in God’s word help us to walk in the light, and walking in the light deepens our relationship with Jesus and fellow believers, then we can truly rejoice in God’s rules. Jesus is the Captain of the Host, the Lord of God’s armies, (Joshua 5:13-15). He commands us, and we need to obey. When we truly see the value of God’s word, His instructions, we will treasure it more than any earthly riches. Adults who had loving parents, treasure the instructions they were given as children because they now understand the intent was to protect them rather than annoy them. Mature believers are thankful for the commands found in the Bible because we know God uses them to guide us.

Father, help us to treasure Your rules rather than to rebel against them. Help us to seek Your will and Your ways each day. Empower us to be obedient children and faithful soldiers under Your command.