145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151 Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

John 3:16-18

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

This chapter of Psalms is about the law of the Lord and following his precepts. It is about the good life that comes as a result of obeying God and the many evils that prevail when we reject it. The Psalmist knew that to follow God would result in his protection but also in his blessings. The more he could have the heart and mind of God, the better his life would be. He knew God wanted what was best.

When this is our attitude, we find joy and peace in serving God. But if we are set on doing things our own way, we will find that life is filled with all kinds of pitfalls and problems that could be avoided. If we see the word of God as a “ball and chain” in our lives it will bring us misery, leaving us with a burden of guilt.

When we are in fellowship with the Father, we find that he is always ready to hear our cry and answer our prayers. His ear is inclined to those who trust him and who follow his word. His protection in our lives is a constant source of peace and assurance for us. His provisions and blessings are abundant in Jesus for all who will trust and obey his word. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

Heavenly Father it is with joy that I know you are near me at all times. What a comfort to feel your presence in my heart and to know your love in my soul! It is with thanksgiving that I live for you and seek to serve you by serving others. Help me to have faith enough to be used by you in your way. Thank you for sending your Son to the earth to save your people. Give your peace and healing to those who are sick and taking treatments. Strengthen your people to trust you and to be an example of faith and love to others. I pray in the name of Jesus.

Robert