Psalm 119:37: The Value of God's Commandments

Psalm 119:37.. "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways."

Psalm 119 is one of the most beautiful chapters in all of God's Word. Its focus is on the commandments of the Lord, that is, the Torah. In this psalm, David uses a bunch of different words like "ways," "law," "word," and many others to refer to the commandments of God. Though we often disregard the value of God's commandments, this psalm teaches us that they are truly the most valuable thing that God has to offer.

Firstly, let us look at things that are lesser in value than God's commandments. A later verse in psalm 119 says this: "I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold" (Psalm 119:127). Since very early in world history, gold has been the ultimate standard of value (that's why its called the "gold standard"). David's point here is that even the most valuable thing in the world does not even come close to compare to the value of God's commandments. Therefore, everything in this world is lower in value than the commandments of God.

Secondly, let us look at the value of God's commandments. Though this short devotional certainly cannot do this topic full justice, let us at least look at just one aspect of how God's commandments are of uttermost value. Psalm 119:105 tells us that "[God's] word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." [Alright, get ready for the soap box of the week...] Many unbelievers ridicule the Bible by saying that its simply a book that contains a bunch of "rules that tell you how to live your life." Oftentimes in Christianity, we try to refute this argument with a variety of techniques that prove to be utterly pointless. The truth is this: the Bible does contain a bunch of rules that tell you how to live your life! Let's stop trying to refute that and accept that it's true. But let's also realize this: that without the "rules" contained in God's Word, we would have absolutely no clue how to live our lives. God's "rules" are a "lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path." Without them, we would have no clue where to go. We would be navigating treacherously down a dark path that leads only to destruction. But with God's rules, we have light that shows us where to go to avoid destruction. So, next time someone tells you that the Bible is just a bunch of "rules that tell you how to live your life," turn to him and say, "It sure is! And I'm glad for it, because these rules keep me from the sinfulness of my heart that deserves the full wrath of God. What do you have to keep you from those things?" (see Proverbs 26:4-5).

So, we have seen this morning that true value is only found in God's commandments as they give us the light that we need to live our lives the way God would want us to, that is, the way that does not end in destruction. But what are some of the things that we choose to value above God's commandments? When the rubber hits the road, what do we value more than the ways of God? I encourage you to diagnose those things. Ask yourself: what things get in the way of me obeying God's commandments? All of the answers to this question are things that you value more than God's commandments.

So, go forth today and glory in the fact that God has given you commandments that show you how to live.