The Word of God...

Obedience:

Compliance with someone's wishes or orders or acknowledgement of their authority. Submission to a law or rule.

I have been so overwhelmed with a few things this week as I have witnessed certain things going on around me, been challenged by statistics, and learned of so many controversies pertaining to the Christian Faith. I have thought so much about obedience to God's Word and what that looks like in the life of a follower of Christ. I began to think about Psalm 119 and the one hundred and seventy six verses in that particular Psalm that remind me of the blessings that come from my obedience to Christ. "How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart. They also do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways. You have ordained your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all your commandments. I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgements. I shall keep Your statutes; do not forsake me utterly!"

John MacArthur makes the statement that Scripture brings more pleasure than the sweetness of honey; and as I think of this passage of scripture and why a statement like that would be true, I think of all the wonderful things obedience to God's Word brings about in my life. Not always easy things, but blessings nonetheless. I think of how clearly I am reminded that I am His child when I am digging through the Word and applying its Truths to my life, I think of what great reminders God's Word is to me when I read of His faithfulness all throughout the Old Testament and New, I am faced with the horrible reality of my own ugly sin and His perfect Holiness that leads me to repentance which in turn draws me that much closer to the Father, I see the wonderful influence scripture has on me in my mind, my family, my kids, my surroundings, etc.

So as I have tried to view situations I have been faced with this week through the lens of Truth, I have seen the essential need to be so immersed in the Word that the only things that go through my mind or flow off of my tongue are things that God's Word has poured into my life. A wise woman I know and love once told me that if I wanted to audibly hear God's voice, then to speak His Word out loud; so I want His voice to be what flows out of me in all facets of my life. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your Word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. with my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in Your way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Psalm 119: 9-16

Lord, help me be an obedient child, a faithful sister in Christ, a submissive wife, a loving mother, an encouraging friend, and a devoted follower of Yours. Help me to point always to Your cross and make me wise and discerning while doing so. It is such a privilege to serve you! Help me to study and show thyself approved!