The Instructions of the Lord – Psalm 19 Part 2

Scripture: Psalm 19(Click Link) 7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT) It’s likely that David was King of Israel by the time he gave this poetic song to the nation’s choir director to be used in public worship at the Tabernacle. David knows the Lord as shepherd, provider and protector. He has insight from the orderly and structured way God’s creation functions. He knows the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Exodus account of Moses, the wilderness, the laws of God from Sinai, and the stories of Joshua’s conquest of the land. He also knows how quickly we can forget God’s ways as Israel did during the 400 years of the Judges! David refers to God’s instructions, his decrees, his commandments, and his laws. For David, these laws and commandments of God are not heavy and restrictive burdens to be borne. God’s instructions and decrees are refreshing, joy-producing, clear, true, fair, and right. Committing ourselves to keeping them refreshes our souls, makes us wise, brings joy to our hearts, and gives us insight for living well. God’s commands are given to be a blessing, not a curse! Reverence for the Lord gives us respect for the ways God teaches and instructs us to live our lives. And the positive results of living our lives God’s way in community with our brothers and sisters is so good that they are more valuable than gold and are sweeter than honey! Here’s the attitude I believe David is trying to get across to us: God is a good, wise, loving God who has our best interests at heart. The things he commands us are not heavy and restrictive burdens, but pathways to living the very best lives. God gives us access to his wisdom and gives us insight as we navigate our way through life. God’s ways and words are a warning to us if we stray, and produce great reward when we obey! Prayer: Father, Thank you for your instructions, decrees, commands, and laws. May my friends and I see them through eyes of faith, and like David, desire them like gold and honey. Warn us when we stray, Father, and call us back into paths of righteousness. Amen.