Years ago, we lived in the forest, and our main heat source was our wood stove. Out of necessity, I learned to be really good about starting a fire and keeping it going. I also learned how to make sure the fire stayed in the wood stove! A fire that is free is destructive! Which illustrates the truth that sometimes we are most free when we have boundaries.
I love living in the freedom of America. Sometimes, we make the mistake that freedom means doing whatever you feel like doing. Listen to the train of thought of our friend in Psalm 119, as he talks about what leads to freedom in verses 129 to 136.
First, we start with the Word of God. It is wonderful.
Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul observes them.
Psalm 119:126
Then, this wonderful Word of God gives light, gives understanding. There is growth and development from reading and obeying God’s Word.
The unfolding of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:127
Third, the Psalmist has a desire for God’s Word. They’ve started, they’ve grown, they’ve learned – and they hunger for more.
I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, after Your manner with those who love Your name.
Psalm 119:131-132
You with me? Because here is where freedom comes in.
In verse 133, our friend wants to be firmly fixed in obeying God’s Word, because that prevents any sin from having dominion of me. Or in other words, the path of freedom in life is found by the boundaries of obeying God’s Word. This is backed up in verse 134 – seeking redemption, freedom from the oppression of man.
Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.
Psalm 119:133-134
You may live in a free country, but do you life in freedom? Freedom isn’t based on doing whatever you feel like doing – that’s like a fire burning in your house. But fire that is within the boundaries – in the fireplace, in the wood stove, in the oven – that’s helpful, useful, beneficial.
So also your life. When you live within the boundaries of God’s Word, that’s when you find the full freedom God intends you to have.