A Look at Psalm 119:4
Our Obedience to God Works for Our Benefit
Psalm 119:4 “You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.”
The word “precepts” covers what we generally mean by “instructions.” Instructions are given as to what to do, when, how, etc. The precepts that God has laid down work to our benefit.
We receive instructions in all things. If you are a secretary, you are to do your job according to God’s precepts. The same is true of a plumber, a doctor, a farmer, a preacher, etc. God will tell us how, when, and what. These are to be fully obeyed. If we go through life obeying the instructions of God, then we can go through life fully expecting His blessings.
It is very similar to how a parent instructs a child. A parent has the child’s best interest in mind. In Luke 11:11-13 we read, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” We, being evil, know how to provide good things for our children. When we instruct our children, it is so we can provide good things for them.
The same is true of our Heavenly Father but to a greater degree. When God lays down precepts, they are to be fully obeyed because they work to our benefit. God is not demanding obedience just because He has some kind of unquenchable ego. He wants obedience for the same reason a parent wants obedience. It is for the good of the child.
Let me encourage you to take some time to meditate on this verse, and as you do, ask yourself if you really believe that everything God asks you to do is for your good.
Continued next week
