Psalm 119
In my Bible reading this morning, I was reading Psalm 119:1-64. I have always loved this Psalm because of its focus on the law, commands, decrees, etc. Each of these points us to God's Word as the best way to experience life. Many times in this Psalm we are told to meditate, learn, seek, hide, follow, live, teach these things. You may ask, "Is there really freedom in following a bunch of rules?"
Before answering that question, I need to preface it by saying we are not saved by following the law or seeking to do more good than bad. We are saved by a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life. So, ultimate freedom comes in our relationship with Christ.
Back to Psalm 119-But God's Word can give us direction and guidance today. God's Word is "living and active" ((Hebrews 4:12) and useful for "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Think about it-here we have the creator of the world who is all-knowing, all-powerful, sovereign, wise-giving us principles to live by. He knows the future. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He has given us His Word to free us not bind us.
Many people say the Bible is just a book of rules and God does not want me to have any fun. It is out of date, closed minded, and not applicable to my life today. I couldn't disagree more. If you believe this, I would encourage you to read it on a regular basis. The Bible includes tips on how to be a great mother/father, wife/husband, child, citizen, servant. Where there are rules-there is a reason. God knows best. For example, do not commit adultery. The Bible is full of examples telling us to save sex for marriage. Why? Because God knows that sexual immorality is damaging to us physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. God is not keeping us from the gift of sex just telling us where it is to best be enjoyed and that is in the context of marriage with only your spouse. Anything outside of this context is dangerous. Statistics show married couples have greater satisfaction in their sex lives compared with those who are unmarried and sleeping together.
So, God's Word gives us guardrails to keep help us experience the best life possible. It is not meant to bind, but to give ultimate freedom. God says, "here are some things you should not do because I know what is best for you. You might think they are restrictive, but I know what happens if you choose to disobey." Let's all read Psalm 119 and be reminded how God's Word is a "lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (vs. 105)
Before answering that question, I need to preface it by saying we are not saved by following the law or seeking to do more good than bad. We are saved by a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life. So, ultimate freedom comes in our relationship with Christ.
Back to Psalm 119-But God's Word can give us direction and guidance today. God's Word is "living and active" ((Hebrews 4:12) and useful for "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Think about it-here we have the creator of the world who is all-knowing, all-powerful, sovereign, wise-giving us principles to live by. He knows the future. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He has given us His Word to free us not bind us.
Many people say the Bible is just a book of rules and God does not want me to have any fun. It is out of date, closed minded, and not applicable to my life today. I couldn't disagree more. If you believe this, I would encourage you to read it on a regular basis. The Bible includes tips on how to be a great mother/father, wife/husband, child, citizen, servant. Where there are rules-there is a reason. God knows best. For example, do not commit adultery. The Bible is full of examples telling us to save sex for marriage. Why? Because God knows that sexual immorality is damaging to us physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. God is not keeping us from the gift of sex just telling us where it is to best be enjoyed and that is in the context of marriage with only your spouse. Anything outside of this context is dangerous. Statistics show married couples have greater satisfaction in their sex lives compared with those who are unmarried and sleeping together.
So, God's Word gives us guardrails to keep help us experience the best life possible. It is not meant to bind, but to give ultimate freedom. God says, "here are some things you should not do because I know what is best for you. You might think they are restrictive, but I know what happens if you choose to disobey." Let's all read Psalm 119 and be reminded how God's Word is a "lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (vs. 105)
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