A Passion for God’s Law
By Kellye Carmack
A few weeks ago, I read through Psalm 119. I don’t know how many times I have read it, but I often walk away with a fresh dose of encouragement to persevere in following Christ. As I reread this psalm, I was struck by the humility and submissive spirit of the writer. The psalmist is eager to know and obey God. He is almost pleading with God to show him how to obey His commands. In verse 127, he says that he loves God’s commands “more than gold, more than pure gold.” This psalm is filled with one declaration after another of the writer’s emphatic feelings about God’s law.
Obedience is not one of those things you expect someone to speak so passionately about. When you instruct your child to brush their teeth or do their homework, I doubt they respond with, “Teach me your decrees, I run in the path of your commands.” The psalmist, however, speaks affectionately and lovingly about obeying God.
Why is the psalmist so passionate about following God’s law? Why would he “rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches” (See Psalm 119:14)? The answers are scattered throughout Psalm 119, but a few really stood out to me in this recent reading.
God’s Law Leads to Joy
The psalmist knows that in following God’s law, he will be blessed (see verses 1-2). From the beginning to the end of the chapter the psalmist speaks of the blessing that comes from being obedient to God’s Word. While we know that doesn’t mean we won’t suffer—the author of Psalm 119 actually speaks often of his suffering—we can still experience joy when we are upholding God’s law in our suffering. Following God doesn’t mean we will never feel sorrow or depression. But even in the middle of heavy despair we can feel delighted by the Word of God (see Psalm 119:35).
God’s Law Leads to Freedom
In verse 45, the psalmist says, “I will walk about in freedom, for I sought out Your precepts.” Biblical submission is not oppressive; it is freeing. It doesn’t constrain a person as much as it allows them to live life more abundantly. When I was in seminary, a professor shared that when his kids played in the back yard, he would give them a few parameters, mainly to stay within the fence and not to hurt each other. He didn’t tell his children all the things they could possibly do and play because those options would be limitless. In the same way, God’s Word lays down a parameter, and within His boundaries is much freedom.
God’s Law Protects in Suffering
The psalmist shares a great deal in this chapter about his suffering at the hands of wicked people. He is slandered by leaders (v. 23), disgraced (v. 38), and mocked unmercifully (v. 51). Yet he is steadfast because he has pleased the only one whose opinion really matters. What can we learn from this? People can betray you, slander you, and accuse you, but you can have peace because you know and believe God’s Word. That’s what it means to have the Word of God as our foundation in a world of suffering. You can stand in the middle of the conflict that’s going on all around you, all the threats, the anxieties, the fears, and trauma—and you can still say “Even though the world is crashing down on me, I am blessed beyond measure because God’s Word sustains me!”
Obedience matters in the Christian life. Are we saved by grace through faith alone and not by our works? Absolutely. Scripture is clear that salvation is a gift of God’s grace (see Eph. 2:8-9). But Scripture is also clear, here in Psalm 119, that there are parameters in following Christ. Those parameters allow us to freely and safely live where we can experience true blessing. God’s commands, rightly applied, give life, joy and protection.
Kellye is the Women’s Ministry Director for Practical Shepherding Women’s Ministry. She has an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling. She served as a missionary in Western Europe for two years, helping to share the hope of Christ with women in difficult situations. Kellye met her husband, Craig, in seminary and they have been married for 8 years. She loves helping women discover the unique ways God has gifted them to serve the church.