COCIN Devotional GREAT PEACE TO THOSE WHO LOVE YOUR LAW

SUB-THEME: SEEK THE PEACE OF THE LAND.

TEXT: PSALM 119:161-168.

161 Rulers persecute me for no reason, but in my inner being I have a very awesome respect for your words.

162 I am happy about your words, as happy as someone who has found a great treasure.

163 I thoroughly hate all lies but I love your laws.

164 I praise you seven times a day for your commandments because they are all just.

165 Things go well for those who love your laws; nothing will make them abandon your laws.

166 Yahweh, I confidently expect that you will rescue me from my troubles, and I obey your commands.

167 I obey what you require us to do; I love it all very much.

168 I obey your principles of behavior, and you see everything that I do.

MESSAGE:

Today’s passage teaches us that loving and obeying the instructions of God will grant us lasting peace and prevent us from stumbling. It also secures and protects from so many dangers in life, and strengthens our relationship with God. For example, obeying the instruction not to get drunk protects you from the misery, misbehaviours and stumbling that come as a result of drunkenness. Similarly, obeying the instruction to abstain from sexual immorality protects you from the dangers of guilt, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, improverishment, and all other troubles that could arise from sexual immorality. Loving God’s law will help you cut off many things that can hinder your peace and prosperity and that of your family and community.

REFLECTION:

God’s laws and commands are not burdensome.

PRAYER:

God, help me to grow in loving your law. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: PSALM 122:6-7

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace… within your citadels.”

TODAY’S BIBLE READING PLAN: DEUTERONOMY 8-11.