This is the Way

Do you ever marvel at how biological children raised in the same environment can be so different? It’s like there’s “Nature,” “Nurture,” and “Non-predictable.”

I have four kids, each with different interests, needs and aptitudes. When it comes to rule following, however, they split 50/50. One child in particular needs to know the rules and expectations for every situation. The other two see rules as suggestions, obeying only when convenient.

The worst offender is my “Mandelorian” loving youngest son. In the show, the Mandelorians have rules they strictly follow, acknowledged by saying “This is the Way.” I had hoped some of the Mandelorian’s discipline would work its way into my son’s character, but alas, he remains immune. 

Along with the Mandelorians, the psalmist in our passage is firmly in the rule following group (119:5). Mentioned throughout the acrostic is the importance of knowing, following, and clinging to God’s rules. 

Now, I am a rule follower, but friend, I have never experienced such an obsession with God’s laws as is professed in Psalm 119. Have you? 

​God gave Moses specific rules to follow, taught to each new generation of Hebrews. Prior to Jesus, people did not have direct access to God. Following these rules, and atoning when a rule was broken was not just a suggestion in their society, it was how they were able to experience God’s presence, community and be in right standing with Him (Gal. 3:24). 

For our psalmist, God’s laws were encouragement (119:23-24),  comfort (119:49-50), and justice (119:95). 

We find the same reassurances in the Bible today. And, while King Solomon built God a temple so the Isrealite’s would have a place to come worship and sacrifice to God (1 Kings 6:11-14), we do not need a special place. We have scripture, and we have direct access to God.

As believers, our bodies are His temple; the Holy Spirit lives within us (1 Cor. 6:19). God’s rules are important, but no longer the only way to know Him. The Mandelorians say “This is the Way” referring to their laws, but Jesus says “I am the way”  (John 14:6). 

Because of Jesus, our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16), and His sinless sacrifice on the cross, God can look at us as pure and in right standing with Him even if we still struggle with breaking some of His rules.

We can draw near to God in prayer and when we do, God restores our soul to Himself (Heb. 7:25-28) and makes all things new in our lives if we ask (Rev. 21:5). 

What a blessing it is for us that we can know and experience God’s presence anywhere, everywhere and all the time.

If you have been feeling far away from God, or maybe, like my son, have been struggling with obedience, I encourage you to draw near to Him today. He will meet you in the quiet confessions of your heart.

If you have never invited Jesus into your life and would like to, just find a quiet place to pray:
“God, thank you for giving me direct access to you through your Son, Jesus. I accept the sacrifice He made for me on the cross, please forgive my sins. I want to live a life in a relationship with you from this point forward. I turn away from my sin, and I turn to you. Amen.”

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever…” John 14:16​ (NIV)

About the Author

Hi! I’m Martha Rudolph. My husband John and I have been married since 2004 and have 4 children. Once you add in two furry friends and a bonus family member, quiet can be quite illusive making it all the more precious. My soul finds peace in those still morning moments with my coffee, Bible and quirky personality one on one with God. I’m honored to share those moments of encouragement with you through writing. Connect with me at www.martharudolph.weebly.com.