Where Happiness Is Found

Where Happiness Is Found

Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:35

Have you ever wondered why God found it necessary to inscribe the Ten Commandments in stone? Why couldn’t he simply have communicated his expectations to Moses and then let him broadcast the message? Perhaps because he wanted to stress the timelessness of his commands, and perhaps also because he knew how good we are at twisting words to suit our fancy.

“Do not commit adultery” could morph into “Don’t sleep with anyone unless you’re in love.” “Do not worship any other gods besides me” could morph into “Go to church once a week, and then live however you please.” “Do not make idols of any kind” could morph into “Don’t worship statues, but feel free to dedicate your life to money, sex, or power.”

Many of us think of the Ten Commandments primarily in negative terms. Don’t do this; don’t do that. But listen to how God prefaces the giving of the Law on Sinai. He says to Moses, “I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery” (Exodus 20:2). His people are to obey him not because he’s a cruel taskmaster but because he has rescued them from cruel taskmasters. Not wanting them to fall into bondage again, he tells them how to live a life that will be marked by his presence and peace.

Ignoring God in order to pursue our own desires will never yield the peace we seek. Doing so may make us happy for a moment, but a pattern of disobedience will eventually lead us into bondage.

Pray today for the grace to believe that the way to life lies not in having your own way but in following God’s way. Tell him you need his strength to live the life he wants for you—a life full of freedom and joy.

Father, forgive me for going my own way and ignoring your clear commandments. Help me to embrace your laws, knowing they will lead to a life of greater freedom and peace.