Character of His Word! (Part 4 of 5)

David wrote…
“(7) The LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT, reviving the soul; the TESTIMONY OF THE LORD is SURE, making wise the simple; (8) the PRECEPTS OF THE LORD ARE RIGHT, rejoicing the heart; the COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD IS PURE, enlightening the eyes; (9) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the RULES OF THE LORD ARE TRUE, and RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” ( Psalm 19:7-10 ESV)

“If I only had more money I would be happy.” How many have centered their focus there? How many have viewed wealth as the true source of happiness and JOY? How many have REJOICED over winning a lottery and then found themselves bankrupt within a few years? JOY linked to such reveals itself, again and again, to be fleeting! In fact, wealth has brought sorrow and trials to many. There is the fear of it being stolen, family members being kidnapped and held for ransom, loss through bad investments, loneliness in an attempt to protect oneself, etc. After years of focusing on heaping up the wealth there is also often the sorrow over relationships that may have been neglected along the way.

Paul cautioned…
“For THE LOVE OF money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have WANDERED AWAY FROM THE FAITH and PIERCED THEMSELVES WITH MANY PANGS.” ( 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV)

Paul did not say the fault was with money, but rather the love of it being at the core of the problem. And because of that craving some have departed from God’s way and felt the piercing of much grief and sorrow. No real happiness. Certainly there may have been some fun, but no lasting JOY.

In contrast to the desire for gold, David noted that God’s precepts are right, His rules are true, and they are completely righteous. It is the pursuit of such that brings true and lasting REJOICING to the heart. Eternal JOY is the impact knowing God’s Way can have in our life. It is to know the relationship with God is real. It is to know that in that relationship and through the following of His commands that the eternal future is secure.
Therefore, in spite of whatever trials this life may bring, there can still be REJOICING. (note Matthew 5:12 and 1 Peter 1:6-7)

JOY cannot be bought. It can only be secured through living in a right relationship with God. His Word shows the way to live a JOYOUS life regardless of what might be going on around us. May we continue to JOYFULLY walk on in His Way. It is the only way to live without regret.

Have a great day FINDING THE LASTING JOY IN FOLLOWING GOD’S WILL!
Carl

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