Psalm 119:49-56

Back in the day, when we used to write letters and send them through snail mail, my mom would often write to me. She would just catch me up on all the happenings in her life written down on her yellow pad paper. I still have a few of those letters, along with a journal of hers in which she wrote down various thoughts and principles that were important to her. Since her passing, these have become reminders of her love and care, and I find myself reading them from time to time. There is a certain comfort they bring whenever I do.

God has left us a letter as well—in the form of the Bible. It, too, reminds me of His love and care. The truths contained within are age-old truths which the psalmist refers to as “regulations”. Regulations, while confining in some ways, are not bad things. Rather, they reveal the parameters within which life is lived best. They outline the principles we must live by if we hope to navigate this life successfully—Keys of the Kingdom, if you will. There will always be those who test these invisible boundary markers to their own hurt, and they serve as reminders to the rest of us not to follow in their footsteps. Some people have to learn the hard way.

The wise, however, have learned to govern their lives by godly principles. In fact, they even go so far as to meditate on them day and night, allowing them to sink deep within their souls where they will make the most impact. To the believer, this is a joy, and His ways are a delight. To the unbeliever, however, these same principles feel like shackles that rub against the arrogance of their self-will and independence.

Life is full of choices. How will we choose to live ours?