REASONS WE OBEY GOD'S WORD

Psalm 119:129-136 says, "Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions." There are two primary reasons we choose to obey God's Word: our understanding of it and our motivation in life. The writer of this Psalm understood that the laws of God are wonderful because of his understanding, likely gained through personal experiences. He realized that teaching from God's Word provided guidance in his life; consequently, obeying it became his motivation for improving and protecting his life. If we understand that God's Word is good for us to obey, we will have the motivation to obey it.

Experiencing God's Word is crucial for our spiritual journey with God, as it is through these experiences that we can appreciate the impact of God's Word on our lives. To experience God's Word in our lives is to apply it in our lives by obeying what it says. There was a man who was a deep-sea diver, fixing underground pipes and cables in the deep ocean. Every piece of equipment that he uses, including his breathing apparatus, must be used properly, or he would die in the deep ocean. All the manuals and written instructions are very important for him to follow because he knows the consequences if he fails to follow them. Similarly, as we understand the importance of following God's Word in our lives, we will be motivated to obey it. God's Word is not meant to just know it, but to experience it. Let us experience God's Word in our current situations by responding to them according to God's teachings. 

In order for us to obey God's Word, we must understand it and have the motivation to obey it. Our motivation to follow God's Word is influenced by our experiences and the results we encounter. Let us apply God's Word in our lives today.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What are the two reasons I obey God? How do I apply what I know about God's Word in our current situation? Based on my past experiences, how has obeying God's Word impacted my life?

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, please help me to apply your Word in my current situation. Please help me to respond according to your Word. Please give me an understanding of your Word and the desire to apply it in my life so that I can personally experience it and be motivated by the wonderful results. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.