Turn & Obey
“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”
— Psalms 119:59-60 NIV
For those who are in Christ and have tasted the goodness of the presence of God, the journey of abiding often becomes less about grasping something and more about surrounding all that tries to steal our freedom and peace in Christ. Any pattern of disobedience, sin, or unforgiveness can make our hearts hardened to the presence of God. We can become dulled to the voice of God. And how quickly we can wander from the heart of God.
God’s word remains a standard against every deceptive thought and every rebellious inclination. Though countless paths steer us away from the truth, the highway of holiness is clearly marked out in the scriptures. Yet we can only conform to that which we consider and believe.
I was reading a book yesterday that mentioned a parable Jesus told about two men in the afterlife. The rich man suffered in hell while the poor man sat in glory with God. The rich man begged the Lord to send the poor man back to his friends to warn them about the dangers of hell and call them to repentance. Jesus says something interesting in his parable in Luke 16:29-31.
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
The issue is not with the witness but with the rejection of the testimony. A heart that rejects the word of God will no less reject a messenger from heaven. It shows that the issue is not that we aren’t convinced of the truth of God’s law, not that we don’t understand, but that we don’t like it and reject it.
How, then, can we become like David? How can we be quick to obey and carefully consider the Lord's ways in everything we do?
Some might presume strict discipline and conformity are required, but I’m convinced of two things. First, the way of God was never about mere outward transformation. Second, I don’t think it is possible to fulfill the commands of God without an inward change.
Jesus said it plainly in John 15:9-10 NIV: "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” Which is it? Do we strive to keep God’s commands, or do we strive to remain in love? The answer is yes. Both. As we strive to keep God’s commands, we discover only love will sustain our endeavor. As we abide in his love, we realize that the best way to demonstrate our love for God is to keep his commands.
If we feel a sinking weight in our stomach as we contemplate following the ways of God, it shows that we either have a false understanding of God’s goodness or that we are not yet convinced that his ways are good. In both instances, we are compelled to come before God and humble ourselves. Recognize today that you don’t need a more convincing witness to tell you the story of God. The scriptures plainly point to a life surrendered unto the godliness that God desires.
What would it look like to consider your ways and turn your steps towards the ways of God? What would your life look like if you eagerly and quickly jumped at the opportunity to obey God’s commands today? According to the words of Jesus, you could open the door to love.
Remember that often, it is not about the things we do but the things we remove. The new believer needs to taste and see the goodness of God. They need to encounter the glory, wonder, and love of the living God. The seasoned believer, however, needs to strip away everything that hinders love. Perhaps not the most delightful experience at first, but this is the journey of knowing God. This is the path of abiding. I remember the words of Psalm 126:5 NIV. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Don’t underestimate the joy that flows from surrender.
