The Joys of Obedience
Alright now, friend, come on up this ol’ porch and let the boards creak out a how‑do‑you‑do like they’ve been rehearsin’ it all afternoon. I’m mighty glad you stopped by. Settle yourself into a rocker, breathe in some of that sweet Texas air, and let the good Lord git to steadyin’ your heart the way a tall pecan tree stands firm even when a mischievous lil’ ol’ armadillo bumps into it. In Psalm 19:9-11, David reminds us that “God’s laws are sweeter than honey and sturdier than gold.” To deepen that truth, Proverbs 3:1-2 tells us, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life.” These two passages downright stand together like twin fence posts holdin’ up the same gate.
Friend, Solomon started out with more blessin’s than a lil’ ol’ squirrel that plum found a whole bucket of acorns. God offered him anything he wanted, and Solomon asked for wisdom. The Lord was so pleased that He gave him wisdom, fame, and riches that would make a proud peacock strut with envy. But somewhere along the way, Solomon went and wandered right off the trail. Instead of followin’ God’s wisdom, he started chasin’ every shiny thing the world dangled in front of him. With unlimited resources, he went on a sinful binge that left him emptier than a henhouse after a hungry fox visit.
When the dust settled, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:13 that , “The whole duty of humanity is to fear God and obey His commands.” In other words, “Quit fightin’ against God’s ways. They were given to you for your good.” Psalm 1 paints the picture beautifully. “Those who delight in God’s law are like trees planted by a riverbank, bearin’ fruit in every season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But the wicked are like chaff, blown around like a dry leaf caught in a gust of wind.”
Solomon should’ve remembered what David had written in Psalm 19. After, his own daddy wrote it. And the truth remains plum unchanged today. God’s commandments ain’t no restrictions. They’re sho’-nuff’ protection. They’re the blueprint for joy, meanin’, and a life that don’t collapse like a rickety ol’ barn in a real windy thunderstorm.
Father, help us treasure Your commandments. Teach us to see Your ways as gifts, not burdens. Give us wisdom to walk in truth and courage to obey even when the world pulls us in every direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well then, friend, the porch breeze has done whispered all it can for today, so you better wander on now and let the Lord guide your steps like a lantern glowin’ along a quiet country trail. You gotta be lettin’ your heart stay real steady like a ol’ cow that plum knows exactly where the water trough is. You gotta be lettin’ your joy git to risin’ like a meadow lark catchin’ the first light of dawn. You gotta be makin’ real sure that your choices are deeply rooted in the Word like a ol’ cedar that refuses to topple over. And you gotta be knowin’ that God’s commandments feel sweeter than fresh honey every step of your day.
With joy,
Gwen
