Willingness to Obey

"Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Psalm 119:5-8 NIV)


There’s a slogan in Alcoholics Anonymous that tells us to “bring the body and the mind will follow.” I thought of this slogan while reading Psalm 119 and decided to extend its meaning to include “bring the mind and the heart will follow.” The first stanza of Psalm 119, Aleph, representing the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, refers to complete obedience and can be difficult to accept and adhere to. In the verses above the Psalmist (possibly David) focuses not only on the call for obedience but more importantly, the call for the willingness to obey.

Willingness to obey God’s precepts begins with a decision—a decision to bring the body (opening my Bible) then to the mind (praying for understanding) and finally to the heart (walking with the Lord). We are not perfect. But with the mercy of the Lord, direction of the Holy Spirit, and knowledge of God’s Word, obedience need not be something to be feared or unattainable. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 assures us that:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Father, thank you for loving me enough to teach me Your laws, for mercy to remind me that I am not perfect, and for forgiveness when I fall. I pray that I will always be willing to obey Your commands in the name of Jesus.