Do I Long to Obey His Commands?
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Proverbs 31:1-9 and Psalm 119:129-144 (NIV)
(Alvin Chia, LCEC)
READ:
Psalm 119:129-144 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Psalm 119:129 – Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.
Psalm 119:130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:133 – Direct my footsteps according to your words; let no sins rule over me.
Psalm 119:135 – Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
Psalm 119:137 – You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right.
Psalm 119:138 – The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
Psalm 119:143 – Trouble and distress have come upon me; but your commands give me delight.
Psalm 119:144 – Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
I read the above passage several times and was drawn to the ways the psalmist viewed the statutes of God. He was wise to see the statutes and decrees of God as wonderful and righteous; and delighted in following them closely in his life. He also recognised that God’s commands are liberating and help us to live a godly life free from sin.
APPLY:
I confess that I am far from this perspective and desire. While I know the statutes and decrees are good and meant to help us live a righteous life, sometimes I prefer my own way and to be honest, I find it a burden to obey God. I pray that I will develop the same purity of heart to match the desire of the psalmist.
DO:
I will continue to develop a close relationship with God the Father. Just like how trust and desire are needed to forge strong earthly relationships, I need to yearn for these in my relationship with God.
I will learn to give up control of my life. While this has been and will continue to be tough, I will strive to do it step by step, and remind myself of the goodness and joy of doing so. I want to make Christ the centre of my life. May my life be filled with more of Him and less of me.
PRAY:
Father God, I thank You for Your Word today. It is my desire to honour You. Help me to surrender my life to you and trust in You more and more. May I grow in my desire to love You and long to obey You fully. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
