But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
—Psalm 1:2
WHAT EXACTLY is meant in this verse by “The law of the Lord”? What is it really saying? The Law of God, which the blessed person delights in, some may see as the whole of the Old Testament, but in fact, it seems clear that these verses are talking about the moral code of God, which was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The book of Romans explains that the law of God does a bit of a role reversal once we are saved. In fact, the same law that condemns all under sin protects all who come to Christ and are saved!
Consider this, for example: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
Let me ask you: Who has the more blessed life? The person who is faithful in their marriage? Or is it the one who ravages their spouse, and often their children, by committing adultery, leaving a trail of unbearable grief?
Consider this verse: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife . . . ” (Exodus 20:17). What do you think? Is a person more blessed by being content with such things as he has, or by working nightand day to obtain the illusive and fleeting riches of this world, which are passingaway? Or by dreaming of another partner and growing to despise the one whom you promised to love, honor, and cherish?
It’s really pretty simple: God will not force anyone to do things His way. On the other hand, He will not bless disobedience (even though disobedient believers may also enjoy the common grace of God, just as the ungodly do, because God is good). But who wants to live hanging onto the edge like that? The dos and don’ts of the Christian faith both lead to blessings! There are things that we are to be for and things we are to be against, and both are cause for divine blessing! The peace wegain in our lives by obeying God’s good commandments is well worth the effort. Do you delight in the law of the Lord? There is every reason to do just that!
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