Obedience and Joy

When Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph, it was his love for God that functioned as a deterrent. It kept him from sinning. Joseph said, “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God” (Genesis 39:9 NLT).

When we keep God’s commandments, we should keep them with all our hearts because we love God. We should want to keep them.

Of course, the devil will try to stop us from walking according to God’s commands. He will set traps for us and try to trip us up. He wants to keep us from living holy and happy lives.

Some people see God’s laws as restrictive, as things that prevent them from really enjoying life. However, His commands protect us from the things that can harm us. And keeping His commands is the way to live life to its fullest. Therefore, the law is something that we should want to keep.

The psalmist wrote, “Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts” (Psalm 119:2 NLT). A few verses later we read, “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word” (verse 9 NLT).

I think we all recognize that young people today are facing some serious temptations. But this principle also applies to every Christian. If you want to live a clean life, you must obey the Word of God.

This means not just reading the Bible but doing what it says. As someone pointed out, “It is not how you mark your Bible; it’s how your Bible marks you.”

Read God’s Word with a desire to apply it to your life. It’s attention with intention. If you will apply yourself wholly to the Scriptures and apply the Scriptures wholly to yourself, it will have an impact on your life.

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