The Joy Of Following God

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law.

Psalm 1:1-2

Awful advice, crushing consequences, and a raunchy reputation —that’s what you can get when you follow worldly counsel and people. What do you get when you follow God? Joy! There is delight in doing what God wants because it is only then that we are doing what we were created to do. We are accomplishing our purpose. We are following the counsel of an all-wise, all-knowing God and experiencing the countless benefits that come with that: We’re not harming anyone and being eaten alive with guilt. We’re not continually embarrassing ourselves (and those who love us) with our behavior. But how in the world can we do everything the Lord wants? By surrendering to him and immersing ourselves in his Word, we will begin to delight in doing what he has planned. Thinking about his law day and night is what brings true joy not only to our hearts but also to God’s.

GOD, more than anything, I want to make you happy. I want to do and be all that you planned when you created me. It’s your counsel I want to follow, your side I want to be on, and your behavior I most want to imitate. Help me to continually think of you and the words you wrote so that I might experience your joy. May you smile when you think of me.

Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God. LÉON HENRI MARIE BLOY (1846–1917)

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The One Year Bible Readings for today are 2 Kings 22:3–23:30; Acts 21:37–22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; and Proverbs 18:11-12.