Do not wait to obey God

"I have no hesitation in obeying your commandments" Psalms 119.60

Today's text is from Tom Holladay, pastor teacher at Saddleback Church.

As we meditate on obedience and our way of living it, I would like to consider this action of Joseph which shows his obedience to God.

When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he said to Joseph : "... be not afraid to take Mary for a wife, for the child she bears comes from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1.20 ). This is what Joseph did : "When he awoke, Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took his wife home" (Matthew 1:24). He did not hesitate. He just did it !

If we do what God says, the most refreshing freedom will invade our lives.

There is a refreshing immediacy in Joseph's relationship with God. When God said it, Joseph did.

If you believe that God loves you and want to live a life of obedience in response to his love, this is the way you must respond. Living in immediate obedience to God is a way of life that exudes enthusiasm and joy.

I had the opportunity to meet many great men and women of faith throughout the world. They are all different from each other, but they all have one thing in common: when they feel that God is asking to do something, they do not hesitate. They set in motion and they do what God has asked.

The Bible declares in 1 John 5: 3 : "Indeed, love to God consists in keeping his commandments, and his commandments do not represent a burden." So if something God asks you seems to be a burden, what is the problem ? Generally, it's procrastination, that is, putting off what you need to do. If we do not act right away, the longer we wait, the harder it will become. However, if we do what God says, the most refreshing freedom will invade our lives.

A reflection for you today

What is the difference between immediate obedience and delayed obedience ? What are the consequences of each ? What does God ask you to do ? Is this a phone call you need to spend ? An action you must undertake ? Now write down all that God asks you to do and tell him that you are willing to do so. Then ask him to give you the strength to do it.

Rick Warren

Source (The Thought of the Day)