If we want to lay hold of the promises, then we must be quick to obey. Oftentimes we focus so much on ourselves being blessed that we forget this key factor. God prefers obedience to sacrifice…
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
We obey first out of love and second to be blessed! There is nothing wrong with that.
Lord, You are mine! I promise to obey Your words! With all my heart I want Your blessings. Be merciful as You promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow Your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey Your commands. Psalm 119:57-60
When we are in love with Jesus, we will rush to obey Him. Obedience is a product of love. Blessing is the reward.
If you realize that you haven’t had cause to obey anything lately, then I question whether or not you’ve been listening very much. When we listen to God…tune our ears to His voice, then obedience becomes a daily affair. A daily blessing. A daily joy filled sacrifice. A pleasure.
It is my honor and privilege to obey God…even when what He asks is difficult. No matter how difficult, the risk of having any separation from Him is far too great a sorrow to my heart for me to disobey. I love Him too much. I can’t stand the thought of being apart from Him.
So, I promise to obey…and as I do, I lay hold of His promises over my life. I long to leave a lineage of obedience when I die. I long to have children who rush to obedience because of their love for Him.
His good and faithful love. His steady and comforting love. His loving and generous love.
When we have our hearts truly turned to Jesus, then obedience is like breathing.
Let’s read the rest of that section of Psalm 119…
Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to Your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank You for Your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears You- anyone who obeys Your commandments. O Lord, Your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me Your decrees. Psalm 119:61-64
My closest friends are those who truly fear the Lord. Those who obey too. It’s good to have friends of all kinds, but it’s important that our inner circle be those who are equally smitten with the Father. It will encourage our faith, bolster our hearts during trials, and help us to cultivate greater obedience. We hold each other up…it’s important for us to surround ourselves with others who are passionate about loving Him.
A friend loves at al times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
365 Days in the Presence 