Some people approach life wanting to take a short cut or said another way, do the least possible work for the largest possible gain. They see learning new skills and personal development towards disciplined execution as burdensome. They see the Bible as a book of rules/commandments that are burdensome. This is not true, God's word promises us here "his commandments are not burdensome"
Think of it this way, when learning to play golf, you would do well to obey the commandments of your instructor. To hit the ball well and enjoy the selection of clubs is to play the game with obedience. To get through the sand traps and hazards, landing in advantageous fairways and greens - this is the result of obedience. The good golf swing "feels" effortless, smooth and the result brings joy - this is the result of obedience. Conversely, when someone tries the brute force approach the ball goes nowhere or out of bounds, it falls short or by some stroke of luck goes beyond the target (resulting in lost time backtracking).
Prayer:
Lord God, I've been frustrated, doing it my way has left me with heavy burdens (debts, relational chaos, lack of peace and joy). I know the way I've been going hasn't been right and I confess I don't start my day with praise to you, I haven't lived with my heart tuned to loving you. So, God, I repent of my former ways and from this day forward, help me to live a new life. Let's your word cut out the thoughts, attitudes, and habits that are not pleasing to you. Give me a learner's spirit, that can take on your "yoke". Lord, I believe you, when you say your commandments are not burdensome. I will obey in faith every command that comes from you, enlarge my vision of your covenant promises and help me to see the larger picture of your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.
Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love God, (Matthew 22:37-40) he was reminding those listening about Deuteronomy 6:5. Back then a teacher would allude to the context of a teaching by saying the familiar phrase, the disciple would then be able to track with the teaching. Here's what follows the first commandment to love God:
Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. - Deuteronomy 7:9
“If you listen to these regulations and faithfully obey them, the Lord your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you, as he promised with an oath to your ancestors. - Deuteronomy 7:12
Think of it this way, when learning to play golf, you would do well to obey the commandments of your instructor. To hit the ball well and enjoy the selection of clubs is to play the game with obedience. To get through the sand traps and hazards, landing in advantageous fairways and greens - this is the result of obedience. The good golf swing "feels" effortless, smooth and the result brings joy - this is the result of obedience. Conversely, when someone tries the brute force approach the ball goes nowhere or out of bounds, it falls short or by some stroke of luck goes beyond the target (resulting in lost time backtracking).
Jesus said, "Come to me with your heavy burdens... I'll give you rest... Let me teach you...the burden I give you is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer:
Lord God, I've been frustrated, doing it my way has left me with heavy burdens (debts, relational chaos, lack of peace and joy). I know the way I've been going hasn't been right and I confess I don't start my day with praise to you, I haven't lived with my heart tuned to loving you. So, God, I repent of my former ways and from this day forward, help me to live a new life. Let's your word cut out the thoughts, attitudes, and habits that are not pleasing to you. Give me a learner's spirit, that can take on your "yoke". Lord, I believe you, when you say your commandments are not burdensome. I will obey in faith every command that comes from you, enlarge my vision of your covenant promises and help me to see the larger picture of your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.