June 27, 2018 – Psalm 119:44-45

I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Psalm 119:44-45.

What is this road of freedom? We often spend hours contemplating freedom and what it means to us. After listening to my sixth-grade students complain about the rules, I had them write a paragraph about freedom as they saw it. Freedom to them meant doing as they pleased and changing rules.  More recess, talking in the hallway, better lunches, and not as much learning. After a discussion about the effects of this ‘freedom’ fewer rules could bring, I heard less complaining.  

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!  Verse Seven of the same Psalm is how to understand the ‘why’ of God’s Commandments in our lives.  Through Jesus Christ, the greatest commandment is to LOVE.  Love is a complex word filled with understanding of trust, obedience, freedom, delight, and respect for the lives of others. 

This is God’s World and we follow His commandments and in return, He teaches us how to Love. Wisdom belongs to the one who says, I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11). Verse 18 – I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Verse 32 – I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Verses 33-35 – Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.  Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed.  How I delight in your commands! How I love them! Psalm 119:46-47.