loving the law

Today we read from Psalm 119:129-152 in the One Year Bible. The Psalmist exclaims his delight in the law of the Lord, and declares that "no wonder I obey them!"

That's not how we usually view laws today, is it? We see them as a necessary evil, or even as ridiculous statutes that are outdated and obsolete.

But the Psalmist was right, because he was talking about God's law. And His laws make our lives better. His laws are like the laws of gravity - when we learn to obey them and respect them, we live healthy, full, happy lives. When we break His laws, like the law of gravity, we find ourselves falling into a bad place.

Many see God's laws as a buzzkill. That He's the eternal killjoy, sitting in the clouds and smiting us for having fun. The opposite is actually true. He wants us to have the greatest joy man can know. And to find that joy, we have to learn to use the gifts He's given us to do the thing He's called us to do. That's what obeying His laws means - doing the thing we were created to do. How can we not find our deepest joy in doing the thing we were made for and gifted for?

So let's get aboard with the Psalmist, and learn to delight in His laws. In doing so, we'll find our deepest joy. Then, no wonder we'll obey them!

God, thank You for giving us Your laws. Please help us, through them, to find our greatest joy.