18 "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law." PROVERBS 29:18 (NKJV)

Here is a good example of verses from the Old and New Testaments giving strength and meaning to each other. From the New Testament we have, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." The verse from Proverbs tells us, if we do not have the truth (the revelation of God’s Word), we have nothing to restrain us from doing wrong. But, if we do have that revelation, we are then happy in following God’s Laws because we understand why they are important for us.

The important point of both verses is found in knowing the truth that God wants to impart to us. It sounds simple, but it is so hard.

Parents understand this frustration. They try so hard to teach their children the right things to do. They try to explain that it is more joyful to do right than to suffer the pains of doing wrong. Unless they can get the child to see and understand the benefits of doing the right things, it does not work. The child simply refuses to accept the Truth that could be so beneficial for him or her.

Get the idea? God wants us to know the joy following His Word and His Law so that we can really be free instead of in bondage to guilt and sorrow. Give your hearts and minds to God that He might fill you with the TRUTH of His LOVE, and you will be happy and free.

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, so often I do things my way and then fail and suffer the consequences. Send your Holy Spirit upon me that I might experience the real joy of doing things your way. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

This may be very difficult. Try to remember some "right thing" that you tried to teach a child or a friend. Now think of something that you struggle with and have prayed about. In that mental picture from the past, see if you can envision what "right thing" God would try to teach you about the subject that you struggle with.