Better than gold, sweet gold

What do you cherish most in life? Don’t automatically list the things you’re supposed to say; but think for a minute … honestly consider what motivates you, what you savor and how you spend your free time and money. Is it status? TV? Parties? Appearance? Escape? Church activities? Constant connectivity? The “nest egg”? What do you cherish most?

We all have those things in life that feed and energize us in some way, but it takes time to discover, as David did, that which truly satisfies the soul. So let’s look at our answers in the light of his.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Hmm. Status has never done this for me.)
“The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (TV ... do we really need to go there?)
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” (More than texting? Serious?)
“The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (I’m thankful for my retirement account, but it doesn’t make my eyes glow.)
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.” (Parties are neither.)
“The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious that gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” (Uncle! No contest.)

Truth is, some of our favorite things in life actually distract us from the best things in life. But blessed is the one who reaches the point at which nothing satisfies but the Word of God alive in us. And we don’t have to be a David to find that place. As we meditate on God’s Word, the Word itself will take us there – to the place of the satisfied soul. A place better than gold, sweet gold.

[Click here to read the Scripture for the day, Psalm 19:7-14.]

Caged by Love

Psalm 19:7 (NIV)
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 

Research reveals that using a crate to train your puppy is not cruel, but a helpful tool for both owner and young pup. The crate insures that while in the puppy stages, our furry companion won't demolish our carpets and furniture. The confinement a crate offers provides for a safe environment for Fido to stay as he learns the rules.

When I feel bad because he has been left alone, locked behind wire bars, for a portion of the day the fact is he recognizes he is safe there. Many dogs are prone to seek out a den to lay in, the crate is that den, not a prison to for punishment or to keep him from having fun.

The laws of God, the Commandments are similar in intent. They are guidelines to help us grow up strong and faithful. They are lights for our path rather than chains on our hands and feet.

Psalm 19:9 (NIV)
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

Rules are not meant to stifle our joy; quite the opposite. Just as we teach to rules of the house to a new pup so ensure his safety and to make him a fruitful part of the household, the rules Jesus teaches are for the same purpose. They teach us right from wrong and from them we gain love and peace. We become valuable players in the game of life.




Psalm 19:7-14