Delayed Obedience

Scripture

I hurry and am not delayed to keep your commands.  -Psalm 119:60

One thing that I address quite often as a parent and educator is delayed obedience. I have had a number of conversations with young people about the idea that doing what they're told to do in their own time is disobedience. Many had the notion that if they were given a directive to do something, the only thing that mattered was that it got done. The 'when' was of no consequence. I correct their faulty thinking on this matter. I explain that the 'when' is just as important as the 'what' when you've been given instructions to follow. I explain that when they delay their obedience to a time that is more convenient for them, they are disobedient. Just as I've had to correct the behavior of my children, God too corrects us when we walk in disobedience. 

Beloved, are there divine instructions that you are not following?  Have you put off completing tasks that God has instructed of you to do? The writer of this Psalm was actually reflecting on his ways. He realized his actions caused him to go astray. In fact he said in verse 59, "When I realize that I'm going astray, I turn back to obey your instructions." There may be a number of things that cause us to delay our obedience to God. For me, it was fear of rejection and failure. I didn't realize the powerful hold that fear had on my life until it was time for me fulfill God's purposes for my life. He told me just as He told Joshua to be strong and courageous, but I didn't feel strong, nor did I feel courageous. Therefore, I stood still for a long time until He showed me how my delay in obeying His instructions was hurting others. Beloved, your issue may not be fear; it may be a lack of trust or a desire for personal comfort. Whatever it is,  renounce the hesitation and view His divine instructions with spiritual urgency. 

Whatever the situation is, ask the Lord to remove all excuses and reasons for stalling from your life, Beloved. Take decisive action, like the writer of the Psalm, to align your life with God's divine will. The Lord cast the mirror of His word before me and showed me how my delayed obedience was disobedience. I had to repent, renounce my behavior, and do what He told me to do. When we change course to follow His will instead of our fleshly comfort, it reflects a sincere heart that cherishes His commands. Beloved, also remember, when He reveals your delayed obedience, don't begrudgingly do the thing He's called you to do. Obey His commands in humility and trust that He will give you the grace to do what He's called you to do. He wants us to desire to do what He says, not out of obligation. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 4:15). No one wants to be loved out of obligation, nor does the Father. 

Prayer

Father, we desire to live lives of active and decisive obedience. Give us hearts that are quick to obey Your commands and spirits that do not delay. When You speak, help us to move instantly, trusting that Your ways are right and good. In Jesus' name. Amen