DO YOU HAVE THE BLESSING THAT MAKES RICH & ADDS NO SORROW.
Do You Have The Blessing That Makes Rich & Adds No Sorrow?
For many - the first thought that comes to mind when they hear the word "blessing" is something monetary. Yet, the Scriptures depict a "blessing" that far exceeds anything this world can offer - and that is - a heart that begs to be taught by God. This is truly - "the blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it"(Proverbs 10:22).
O Saint of God, do you have that "blessing" today?
In Psalm 119:33, the Psalmist cried out - "Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end."
In Psalm 119:124, he prayed - "Deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes."
In both of these petitions, he pleaded for God's guidance in ordering his life and avoiding all sin or deviation from the right way. He desired to - know the path of holiness...be hedged in by the Divine law...taught the way of applying His statutes to his personal life and how to govern himself by them...as well as how to perform his duty. In other words, he wanted heavenly teaching so that he could faithfully serve Jesus unto the end of his life.
O Reader, is this your desire? Do you want God to be your teacher - teaching you how to be constant in your obedience to Him?
There are certain characteristics delineated in the Scriptures - describing those whose true happiness lies in being totally conformed to the image of Jesus. Their sole purpose in life is to learn His ways.
Those characteristics are as follows -
1. They Have A Revelation Of God As The Fountain Of All Blessing
Psalm 119:12 - "Blessed art Thou, O LORD: teach me Thy statutes."
This individual sees God as the Author of a Law which is so good, holy, pure, rich, valuable, and suited to directing and guiding all mankind. Hence, he begs the Almighty to bless him by teaching him His statutes. This is the "blessing" that he craves more than any other - to be instructed in the art of holy living.
2. They Are Sincere With God
Psalm 119:26 - "I have declared my ways, and Thou heardest me: teach me Thy statutes."
This saint is transparent before God. He has numbered, searched out, investigated, or recounted all of his cares, troubles, burdens, anxieties, purposes, ways, wants - yes, and even his sins, imperfections, or wanderings from the path of righteousness - before the Lord. In other words, he opened up his very heart before Him. Resultantly, he begs for the Almighty to tell him his duty...direct his steps...and teach him obedience - lest he offend again.
3. Their Hearts Are Full Of Love To God & His Word
Psalm 119:64 - "The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: teach me Thy statutes."
Psalm 119:68 - "Thou art good, and doest good: teach me Thy statutes."
No matter where this individual finds himself - whichever place or situation - the evidence of God's goodness is clearly evident to him. He may be facing want, poverty, affliction, or bondage - yet, in spite of it all - he sees the Lord as essential goodness...being good in the fullest sense of the term...actively good - being good and doing good. He understands that His fountain of goodness is inexhaustible and His streams are numerous - running full and strong. This goodness causes him to long for more and more grace in order to become more acquainted with His law so that he may be good and do good as his Teacher.
4. They Are Zealous About The Master's Work
Psalm 119:135 - "Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes."
This believer craves for holiness. He sees it as being the choicest of gems. Hence, his greatest desire is that God would favor him by instructing him in the ways of holiness of living.
5. They Desire To Offer Their Lives As A Praise Offering To God
Psalm 119:171 - "My lips shall utter praise, when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes."
Each degree of knowledge excites this person to a new degree of praise to his God and Instructor. The more his heart is opened to understand His ways, the more his lips are opened with praise.
6. They Give God The Best & Then Some
Psalm 119:108 - "Accept, I beseech Thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Thy judgments."
This saint feels no pressure or experiences no constraints in offering his life before God. All that he is and has is a "freewill offering" before Him. He is in a state of revival. Hence, his desire is for more and more teaching - so as to continuously serve the Lord better. He craves to know Him and then to make Him known.
In closing, we leave you with a quote from Charles Spurgeon from The Treasury Of David, pg. 1152 - "Those who do not care to be instructed by the Lord have never honestly resolved to be holy."
Are you rich today?
In whose estimation - this world's, the devil's, yours, or God's ?
May God Bless His Word.
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"Blessed is He who Comes in The Name of The Lord"
DO YOU HAVE THE BLESSING THAT MAKES RICH & ADDS NO SORROW.
