Joyful Obedience.

Psalm 119:1-2 Joyful are people...who follow the instruction if the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws.

A big part of our human nature is the desire to do things our way. Even from a young age, we are unhappy when we have to share a toy or do anything anyone wants us to do that is different than what we would choose. 

So how can obedience to instruction given by someone else or laws written by another makes us joyful people?

Because God's way is better and brings blessings when our way, at its best, is futile. And it takes some maturity to realize that someone, anyone else could possible know what is better for us than us.

I also think that obeying God brings joy the way a child is carefree and joyful. When we obey and trust someone else to handle it, we live by faith, without stress and worry, without the burden of making things turn out as they should. Kids don't worry about if the bills are paid, parents do. Kids don't worry about having and keeping a job to provide for the family, parents do. In the same way, giving up our control, as hard as that is, and really trusting that God will handle it all if we will just trust him enough to obey him when he speaks brings joy.

Oh for grace to trust him more.