Listen

The Lord’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The Lord’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. Honoring the Lord is correct, lasting forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous!

Psalm 19:7-9

Think

It may seem counter-intuitive, but some rules give us a sense of freedom. Studies show that children who grow up with a healthy balance between love and structure are much more successful as adults. We need love to affirm us and to remind us of our infinite worth, but we also need structure to guide us and lead us.

These verses from Psalm 19 celebrate the instruction that comes from God. The psalmist even declares that God’s regulations are gladdening to our hearts and refreshing to our eyes.

Jesus declared to his disciples that all of God’s law can be summed up in two statements: Love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). Those rules are freeing to us because they remind us that we are made to be vessels of love for all people. Who is someone in your life today you need to love? If you do that, you might just find your heart gladdened.

Tyler Tankersley

Pray

God, give me the eyes to see and the ears to hear how you are calling me today to live out your law as I love you and love those around me. Help me to remember that your love is what should guide me and lead me. Remind me of your grace and may my heart be gladdened. Amen.

Go

As you depart from this moment, may you know that the righteousness of Jesus Christ walks with you wherever you go.