The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living….
They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
-Psalm 19:7-8, 11
I love to learn. In fact, I took a strengths finder test a couple years back and learning was one of my top 5 strengths. It is one of the reasons I like to read so much and often think about taking more classes. That said, I can’t say I have often thought of instruction as being reviving to my soul-even God’s instruction. I think that’s why this hit me fresh today. God was reminding me. The note in my Life Application Bible says,
“When we think of instructions, decrees, and commandments, we often think of rules that keep us from having fun. But here we see the opposite: God’s laws revive us, make us wise, bring joy to the heart, give insight, warn us, and reward us. God’s laws are guidelines and lights for our path, rather than chains on our hands and fee. They point at danger to warn us, and then point at success to guide us.”
God’s instructions do guide, warn and point us in the right direction. This doesn’t guarantee a life of ease. It does however keep us from some harm and gives a measure of peace in the midst of conflict. So who are you learning from these days? What books are you reading? I hope you are continuing to learn. First and foremost, I hope you are continuing to learn from God and reading His book. You can’t beat God’s Instruction.