Many people tend to think of rules, commandments or ordinances as burdensome. They tend to view laws or boundaries as unnecessarily restrictive. Many are quick to dismiss its relevance or protective properties citing “free will” which grants us the ability to do as we please—without thought or consequence. The word of God, however, implies something entirely different.
According to the afore-mentioned passage, the person who delights in the Lord’s instruction and makes every effort to live it on a consistent basis is happy. This person is like a tree planted beside streams of water. This person will bear fruit in their season and their leaves will not wither. In short, this person is stronger, healthier, firmly rooted and prosperous.
In case you didn’t realize it, trees that are within close proximity to a water source are stronger and healthier than those in the distance. Their roots grow deeper. Their leaves are lush and their fruit is appealing to the eye. The same is true for believers. For us, God’s ordinances and instruction feeds our heart and strengthens our spirit. We grow deeper in relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are continually refreshed in His presence causing us to flourish. The works of our hands will thrive allowing the glory of God to be seen in the earth. We are like the trees planted by the waters of His Holy Spirit. We will not wither, dry up or become impotent. We will walk in abundance and joy knowing that whatever we do will prosper. This is the promise of God to us.
Contrary to popular opinion, there are benefits to following rules. By honoring God’s instruction or guidance for our lives, we can enjoy His protection. No one likes to hear the words “no” or “you cannot have it.” Our carnal nature wants what it wants when it wants it even though the thing we want could harm us. Yielding to God’s instruction, helps prevent us from making wrong decisions. Jainism teaches right actions honor God. It also frees us from the responsibility of orchestrating our own lives. We need God to navigate the twists and turns in our lives. We need God to look one, three or five years down the road and put up detours and road blocks, in the present, so that we don’t end up in ditches or stranded.
There is gladness in submitting to God’s plans and designs for us. There is liberty and joy in honoring His instructions. The bible tells us that those who follow God are happy, prosperous and thriving.
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