We live in a world which makes it very easy for us to “chameleonize” our lives.  It’s acceptable, and we’re even expected to be inconsistent and uncommitted and masked.  And when we don’t get our way or we disagree, it’s understood that we become combative and obstinate. 

This tends to spill over into our relationship with God.  Sometimes we simply don’t follow through with what He says to do in His Word.  Dare I use the word “disobey”? 

The downside of disobedience, whether it’s through passivity or rebellion, is that we consequently don’t receive all that God wants to give us – such as His promises, His counsel, provision, and inner strength.  We miss out on His affirmation, and the warmth of His love.  We don’t get to experience His joy, peace, patience, etc.

Psalm 119:57-64 reads:

57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. 
58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 
63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 
64 The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

In our desire to be obedient and to experience God’s promises, may I suggest the following for us:

That we:

Decide to make the combination of living with the Lord and by His Word the navigator of our lives.
v57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. 
Go to Him first. Worship Him above all else.

Earnestly pursue a deepening relationship with the Lord.
v58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 
Go after the inner joy and soul nourishment found in daily fellowship with the Lord.

Evaluate our ways.
v59a I have considered my ways…
Are they God-centered or self-centered?

We learn to make choices according to God’s Word.
v59b … and (I) have turned my steps to your statutes.
Think thoughts, Speak words, Act and react, Relate to one another, Direct our feelings … all according to God’s Word.

Expedite the transformation of our lives by acting promptly.
v60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 

Meditate on God’s truth.
v61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
Put God’s Word in our minds and hearts in order to remember it when the heat is on.

Lead our feelings.
v62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. 
Who feels like getting up at midnight to give thanks to the Lord for His righteous laws?  The point is that we command our feelings to give thanks and obey God’s Word even when our feelings don’t feel like it – any time of the day.

Build healthy friendships with other obedient believers.
v63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. 
Build friendships as a support team with those who are committed to following Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.

Choose to be taught God’s Word.
v. 64 The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
Keep learning God’s truths.