Posted on 10/20/2016 4:48:56 AM PDT by metmom
"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8).
Knowing your life is on the right track is a source of great joy.
What brings you joy? Your answer will reveal much about your priorities and the direction your life is heading spiritually.
The psalmist wrote, "How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers" (Ps. 1:1-3).
That psalmist knew that true joy and happiness come from knowing God and abiding in His Word. That was David's confidence when he wrote, "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8).
"Precepts" in that verse speaks of divine principles and guidelines for character and conduct. God created you and knows how you must live to give glory to Him. And He revealed in His Word every precept you must know to do so.
Every divine precept is "right." It shows you the path that is right and true. What a wonderful confidence that is! While many around you may be discouraged or despondent because of their lack of direction and purpose, God's Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105). It guides you through the difficult mazes of life and gives your life eternal significance. Don't live simply for your own pleasures. Your life has a high and holy purpose, and each day can be filled with joy as you see that purpose unfold.
Suggestions for Prayer
Ask God to help you be mindful of your eternal purpose today and every day. Ask Him to direct you to someone who needs Christ and is sensing a lack of purpose in his or her life.
For Further Study
Read Colossians 3:1-4.
How did Paul describe Christ? What should be the focus of your thinking? Are you heeding Paul's exhortation?
Studying God’s Word ping
Actually, this is the season I’m in right now - JOY! And GRATITUDE. I guess they go hand in hand when you realize that all you’re thankful for comes from God.
Same here.
That was written for me.
Or, as Tom the Son put it when he was about three:
Blessed is the man who walks not on the counters of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of dinner,
nor sits in the seat of golfers.
Kids are great.
Tom will be 20 at the end of the month. Imagine Alexander Hamilton crossed with a brown bear.
But on topic, I really liked this piece. One of my favorite verses from Psalm 119 is, “Lord, I love your commands.”
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