Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19:8, NIV- “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
There are seasons of darkness and light in our lives. The storms of life come and go but as Psalm 19:8 reminds us, the commandments of the LORD are always right and given to us to open our eyes to His joy and radiant light.
It is so easy to be blinded by the events and struggles of our lives. Our emotions and stresses attempt to suck the joy from our souls. Yet, God places the radiance of His love before us in so many simple ways. This morning I enjoyed the bright morning sun glistening off the dew. The birds were seeking their daily bread and building their nests. The flowers were letting out a collective sigh in all their beauty.
Although we can feel trapped, we must fight to free ourselves. As Proverbs 6:5 instructions us, “Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” (NIV) We must fight because the struggle is real, and the snares are bountiful. There are days in each of our lives when we must fight to turn towards God. We cannot be lazy in these efforts.
God has made it simple to find Him. His statutes remind us to look around. Proverbs 6:6 makes it as simple as watching ants. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise!” (NIV) Have you noticed the ants around you during your turmoil? No one must tell them what to do, they just do.
In Psalm 19:1 David reminds us that “the heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (BSB) As Psalm 19:3-4 point out, that although the skies “have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.” (NIV)
There is no need for words. We can simply soak in the promises of God and receive the joy God gives to us in the simple things. Sunshine on the morning dew. The sounds of birds in the air and yes watching the ants going about their business. As Psalm 19:7 promises, “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (NIV) God does refresh our souls.
Humans simply complicate life by over-thinking. Just as we cannot create sunshine, we cannot create joy. Pure joy comes from the LORD. What the LORD has decreed makes all the world right. The world’s attempt to turn away from God, robs it of joy and the radiance of love. The greatest rewards in this life are found in simple joys.
In our struggles and in the mundane, let us turn to God and His laws. We can also say as David did in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” (NKJV)
Our Redeemer lives and He alone gives us joy in our hearts. Are you willing to receive it?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy of Your creation and Your commands. Thank You for keeping us safe. We trust in Your strength to help free us from the snares of this life. In You LORD we look for wisdom and the radiant light of Your commands. Thank You for the joy You give to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we do pray. Amen.
Leave a Reply