You ever have those moments where you just don’t do what you should do. Like, waking up on time, but you hit snooze and roll over. When you look at your jogging shoes but decide the exercise will happen tomorrow. If we struggle to do what’s right in these moments, how much more when it’s about doing what’s right before God? Obeying God isn’t always easy.
Our friend in Psalm 119 knows both the struggles to obey God, but also the importance and rewards of obeying God. He wants to live a live of obedience, and he gives a way to overcome those times of struggle.
In Psalm 119:161 to 166, the Psalmist gives six actions that add up to help for obedience. He starts with awe of God and His Word: “my heart stands in awe of Your words.”
This awe leads to joy in God’s Word:
I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.
Psalm 119:162
Awe plus joy equals love:
I hate and despise falsehood, But I love Your law.
Psalm 119:163
Now we’re starting to get somewhere, but there’s more. To this is added praise, and not just once but seven times.
Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.
Psalm 119:164
It’s not so much the idea that our friend is counting each time he praises, but rather that this is complete praise.
So, we have awe that leads to joy that leads to love that leads to praise and that leads to peace. Wait, not just peace, but great peace!
Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165
And the cherry on top is hope:
I hope for Your salvation, O Lord,
Psalm 119:166a
Now the Psalmist is ready to obey: awe plus joy plus love plus praise plus great peace plus hope equals obedience:
And do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You.
Psalm 119:166b-168
I find this encouraging, because I also struggle to obey God. And just gritting my teeth and resolving to make it happen doesn’t always work. Our friend in Psalm 119 shows us a different pathway to obedience. May you cultivate a heart that stand in awe of God and His Word, knowing this leads not just to obedience, but also other things you treasure: joy, love, praise, great peace, and hope!