FOLLOWING GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS

Psalm 119:1-8 says, "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!" God gave us the Bible so that we can know His laws and instructions, and through them, we know how we should live according to His ways and will. Many people today believe the Bible is outdated and offensive. They believe that the things that are in the Bible do not apply to us any longer. As a result, God's Ten Commandments are no longer allowed to be displayed in public schools, universities, and several government buildings. Despite the censorship of the Bible in public places, the Bible is still the Word of God and still relevant for us today. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." God wants us to live according to His standards and not the standards of this world. God's ways lead us to life, but the ways of this world lead to death and destruction. No matter how the unbelieving world tries to force us to conform to the standard of this world, we will not yield, but we will persevere in living according to the Word of God. Let us read and study our Bible because it teaches us how we should live. If we want God's blessings in our lives and experience God's joy in our hearts, we must live according to His instructions. If we are struggling to live according to God's Word, we must ask God to help us live out His Word. We need to surrender our hearts to Him and rely on His power to help us live according to His ways. 

Every day, we must ask God to help us obey His instructions. We will not have peace as long as we live in sin. However, the moment we surrender our lives back to Him and walk according to His Word, we will experience His blessings, joy, and peace in our hearts. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Do I believe that the Word of God is still relevant today? Why is it important for me to live out God's instructions? Why is it important for me to read and study my Bible?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, blessed are those who follow your instructions. Please help me to listen and obey your instructions so that I can live according to your ways. Please help me to persevere in obeying your Word regardless of what the current society says. I'd rather follow your ways than live according to the ways of this world. Your ways lead to life, but the ways of this world lead to despair and confusion. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.