lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. [psalm 119:35]
do we delight to walk in the paths of God’s commandments? is following his laws our greatest joy because we know they are full of life?
the writer has talked about knowing the commandments of God, understanding the commandments of God, meditating on the commandments of God, even memorizing the commandments of God. but he knows this is not enough. and in james, we read that this is not enough.
but be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. for if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. but the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. [james 1:22-25]
if we are a child of God, his implanted Word in us will stir us to obedience. and not just obedience, but delighted obedience. this is his promise to us in Christ! the way of the Lord is perfect, so what else could possibly bring us true joy? nothing!
Father, your paths are life. your ways are perfect. your promises are pure joy. take your Word, take the gospel of your Son, Jesus, and plant it deep in my heart, that i might delight to walk in the path of your commandments. let me not be a hearer only, but a doer of your perfect Word. amen.
~arwen eastman