Psalm 19:7-10
7. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."
8. "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
9. "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."
10. "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."
As I read these verses, I couldn't help but notice how much of a contrast they represent with the world in which we live today. And the more I considered this fact, the more I was struck by how sad a thing this is. You see, it's not just the world that has problems with these things, but it's CHRISTIANS as well!
Notice how these verses describe the things of the Lord:
1. A perfect law that converts the soul.
2. A sure testimony that gives wisdom.
3. Right statutes that cause rejoicing of the heart.
4. Pure commandments that give enlightenment.
5. A clean fear of God that endures forever.
6. True & righteous judgments.
When we see these things as God sees them here in Scripture, we find the joy and blessing that comes with obedience to and faith in the Lord. However, notice how some view these things:
1. They find "problems" with God's laws because they don't like what they say.
2. They want to doubt the testimonies and examples found in God's Word.
3. Their heart feels burdened by God's statutes and commandments.
4. They don't have the respect (fear) of God like they should.
5. They claim His judgments are unfair.
Scripture says that these things are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Yet the prevailing attitude is the exact opposite- many DON'T want these things. They have no interest in them. What a sad state! Is there any doubt that we as Christians need to make our desire for these things evident as a testimony to others?
How do you see these things? Do you desire them as God says we should, or do you avoid them at all costs? What kind of testimony are you showing?
Welcome back Pastor Chadley. You were missed last week. :)
This is another very good devotion.