The Joy of Obedience

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.” (Psalm 119:1 NLT)

Ever since the Garden of Eden, the Evil One does his best to cause us to doubt the goodness of God. As a result, many of us view God as a strict disciplinarian interested chiefly in servile compliance to his laws. We may even try to avoid knowing God’s commands thinking that maybe ignorance of them removes our responsibility to obey them.

Yet, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.” Joyful, fortunate, blessed, happy, to be envied—are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Why? Because willing obedience to God always brings us great joy and happiness.

If we, even for a moment, entertain thoughts that God is withholding something good from us, or he’s out to get us, or he’s a kill-joy—we are horribly mistaken! We find true joy and happiness as we follow Jesus Christ and obey him. God is profoundly interested in our happiness. And he knows infinitely better than we do what will make us happy!

“Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” (Psalm 119:35 NLT)

© 2010 Rob Fischer