Freely Speaking with Sarah

As a child, it was easy for me to see that the Bible was full of rules. One of the first things I learned growing up was the Ten Commandments. A set of rules. It was difficult for me to understand why God, spoken of with love and reverence, wanted me to follow so many rules.

Fast forward a little more than thirty years. As parents, my husband and I set rules for our children—some of which I expect to be followed without question. There are expectations set for our home, as well as guidelines that we know will make their lives easier in the long run. This is the same way that our Heavenly Father regards us.

Psalms 119 is authored by King David. It has been widely accepted that he wrote this to teach his son, Solomon, the alphabet, both for writing letters and as a “spiritual alphabet.” In this chapter, he says, “I will obey your law forever and ever, I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (Psalms 119:44-45 NIV). David was teaching his son that obedience to the Lord was a good thing! This leads to freedom. David also recognized that we had to seek out these things. In a world of distractions meant to pull us away, we must search for and follow the Lord daily.

At the time David wrote these words, he didn’t know Jesus. David was a Jewish man seeking Jewish laws. How wonderful it is that we too can seek out this freedom in following God while also having the New Testament and the example of Jesus. Someone perfect left Heaven to show us how to worship, love, work, pray, and live in accordance with the rules of the Lord.

Friend, we will never be perfect. We just can’t be. Today, I ask you to cast aside the world’s imperfections and show honor to the Lord by seeking His word and following.