Daily Verse: Psalm 112:1

Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

The thing about instructions or commands is that we often view them as confining. They are viewed as rules and rules typically come with a negative connotation. Rules require us to adhere to a specific set of guidelines that keep us in order or maintain some desired outcome. They are often viewed as restraining, inhibiting, or restricting. And when we do adhere, it is often done begrudgingly, reluctantly, or with a sour attitude. But in the text above, we see that we are to embrace God’s commands with “delight”…with happiness, joy, and gladness. We are to welcome them into our lives with open arms, holding tight to them with a smile! Seems likes a contradiction given how we have been programmed by the world. But yet it is not…for God provides commands for our lives because He knows precisely what is best for our lives. He knows the best way for us to live…the best words that should come from our mouths, the best thoughts that shoulder filter through our minds, and the best ways that we should treat each other. But because of sin, we trip up when it comes to following these commands. We fail to be disciplined, determined, and obedient. And we often fail to “delight” in following His commands. Thankfully we are not left out in the cold…we are not cast aside as hopeless losers. For through the work of the Holy Spirit, and the grace through faith in Christ, we can become more disciplined, more determined, and more obedient. And over time, we might just find that we start to find true joy, genuine gladness, and authentic delight in our Lord’s commands! Make we seek to smile today and delight in following the commands of our incredible God! To God be the glory!