For my good

The law of the LORD is perfect;
it gives new strength.
The commands of the LORD are trustworthy,
giving wisdom to those who lack it.
The laws of the LORD are right,
and those who obey them are happy.
The commands of the LORD are just
and give understanding to the mind. (verses 7,8)

Read Psalm 19

Rules and commands tend to make us uncomfortable. Yet, as family members and citizens of our country, we realise that rules exist for the sake of order and for our good.

A child hat’s left to its own devices without parental supervision can easily get severely if not fatally injured. Parents make rules for their child for the child’s good, not be unpleasant and dictatorial. It’s because they love their children that parents tell them not to meddle with power points, touch a hot stove or play with knives and matches.

God our heavenly Father knows what’s good for us, his children, too. He doesn’t want to see us causing harm to ourselves by ignoring what, in his love for us, he has commanded us to do.

Like the writer of the psalm, you can acknowledge that God’s laws and commands are for your good. By obeying these commands you will find strength, wisdom, happiness and understanding.

Heavenly Father, you are all-knowing and loving and want only what is for my ultimate good. Forgive my disobedience and help me to obey your commands. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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