Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. - Psalm 112:1
I have a
friend who's trying to find his way through the fog of doubt. While he still believes that
God is good, much of what he's experiencing seems to contradict that. He's questioning the
value of virtue because he sees another person's vice go unpunished. Although he knows
that he ought to enjoy his walk with God, right now it's more duty than delight.
I also have an acquaintance who seems to be trying to hold on to God with one hand while
clutching her sins in the other. I recently learned that her fourth marriage lasted less
than a week. After paying thousands of dollars for a wedding, she's going to have to spend
thousands more to get out of the marriage.
To anyone questioning the value of walking with God, I would reply: Saying no to selfish
choices and saying yes to God's commands may not be easy, but it's the only way to
experience true and lasting joy. Psalm 112 declares that the person who respects God and
wants to please Him will enjoy His favor (v.1). That doesn't guarantee a trouble-free
life, of course, but it does assure us that we can have peace even in the tough times
(vv.6-8).
We can delight in knowing God's blessing is on us, even when the road is not easy.
-JAL
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight;
Foot it bravely, strong or weary,
Trust in God and do the right.
-Macleod
The cost of obedience is nothing compared to the cost of disobedience
Vocation
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with the fire of your love. Make us zealous witnesses to
the saving message of Jesus Christ. May we become more fully the Body of Christ in
the world. Inspire more to give their lives in service to the Gospel. Amen