Psalm 119:14

Psalm 119:14 I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth. (TEV)

I found this verse interesting.  Some think that if they were just rich, everything in their life would be ok. They think money or success will bring them happiness.  But look at this verse above.

Another way of saying “Following God’s commands” is “Obeying God’s commands”.

So obeying God and what He wants us to do in our life is better than having great wealth.  In fact, King David said he delights in obeying God. And King David is right!

It is not always easy to obey God.  Sometimes we want to do things our way.  And usually “our way” is NOT a good way.  Putting our faith in wealth, position, success, possessions is not a smart idea.  They can all suddenly go away.  Putting our faith in God, obeying and following His commands is the best way to live.

Philippians 2:14, 13

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing.  (CEV)

THIS IS HARD TO DO!!!  Well, for most of us it is hard to do.  We need help!  We need God’s help to obey this command He has given us.  But look in verse 13.

Philippians 2:13 God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. (CEV)

Like a good father (and God is the best and greatest Father), God doesn’t just tell us to do something without being there to help us do it!  He will help us to not grumble or argue…IF…we keep our lives in His hand.  So what does that mean?

If we seek God.  If we keep Him in the middle of everything we do.  If we run to Him with our struggles.  If we trust Him to help us.  If we seek to obey Him.  If we know Him personally, He will help us obey and he will give us His peace.

My mom used to say, “Before you say anything (mean or angry or grumble), count to 10.”  This gave us time to calm down and not just say the first thing out of our mouths.  It stopped a lot of anger and grumbling.

But what I am saying is while we are taking Mom’s advise and counting to 10, we need to pray and ask the Lord to calm us down.  Ask for His help.  He is waiting and wanting to help us.

Matthew 11:28-29

Matthew 11:28-29  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. (CEV)

Yokes were put on the necks of animals, so that they could pull a plow or wagon. A yoke was a symbol of obedience and hard work.

Jesus wants to give us rest.  Jesus wants to make our burdens light.  We don’t have to do everything on our own.  He wants to help us.  But we don’t ask Him.  What a shame.  He is waiting for us, wanting to help us.