God sure did give a lot of commands in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. So it's a great thing that Jesus simplified all of it into two greatest commandments in the New Testament. But one thing that remains, whether it's a specific command in the OT or a general admonition from the NT: do you feel merely obligated to obey, or do you have joy in obeying God?
Some might say that it's hard to obey the Lord. Some might even say that it's a drag. However, the Bible itself says that those who obey the Lord find joy while obeying, and also when they are rewarded.
Psalm 112:1-3 – "Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever."
Psalm 32:10-11 – "Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"
Psalm 119:1-3 – "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths."
Friends, there is great joy when we obey our God. When we obey Him, we find His protection, His provision, and His deliverance. Here are some examples of people who obeyed God and found their needs and safety met.
Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-7) - "So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook." (v. 5-6)
The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) – "So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah." (v. 15-16)
So what do you do when obeying God feels like an obligation instead of a joy?
1) Remember that you did not deserve grace
We did not merit the salvation that Christ gave to us. He did not deserve to die – we did, but He took our place. (see Isaiah 53)
2) Realise that God has called you a friend
Jesus said we are His friends, and are no longer slaves (see John 15:15). Friends don't bless each other out of obligation. They do so out of joy and love.
3) Obedience proves our love for Jesus
Jesus said if we love Him, we will do what He said (see John 14:15). There's simply no other way.
