An email to my son...

While away from home and needing some encouragement, I emailed my 18 year old son the following Bible verse:  I will walk about in freedom for I have chosen to obey your commands (Psalm 119:45).  I'd memorized this verse years ago understanding it held the key to true christian joy.  After I sent it though I realized that, because of his age, he may not understand what a lifetime of living has taught his 50 year old mother (and believer) about freedom and obedience.  Here's the explanation I offered him; I hope you'll benefit as well. "Son, if there's one thing I've learned over my years and years of being a Christ-follower it's that whenever I obey the Lord, I have freedom and whenever I disobey the Lord, I have chaos. It's really that simple.  When I adhere to the principles outlined in God's Word, I find success in my daily activities, joy regardless of what's happening around me, answers to my prayers (yes or no or wait) and insight for getting myself in and out of tight spots.  It's the weirdest thing because, it feels like freedom will come when I get to do what I want.  But, you know what, it doesn't work that way.  True, it might feel that way for a little while but, for the true christian, peace and freedom only come when you're walking on God's path.  Check out this different translation of the same verse…it says I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.  Do you get it?  It's basically saying that, when you obey what the Bible says, the sky's the limit!

Do me a favor, picture yourself on this big, wide path.  Now picture yourself holding hands with Jesus while strolling along this big wide street.  Can you see it?  This is your right as his son. You've accepted his payment for your sin on the cross and, with that decision comes this privilege; this right to walk along, hold his hand and benefit from his sweet fellowship.  You get to do this with Jesus sweetie, day in and day out.  You get to ask for his help when sin temps you and you get to enjoy his love and compassion when you see something go well for someone else.  You can talk to him about where you should go to college and you can trust him as he's holding your hand securely during a hard time.  You can rely on his counsel as he whispers in your ear and you can bask in his forgiveness when your heart has gone astray.  It's all real honey!  I've experienced it myself!

But, as you know, there is something that ruins this wonderful, hand-holdin', sin-confessin', freedom-experienin', joy-producin' journey with Jesus.  You guessed it, sin.  When you disobey God's laws, you stumble.  It's not that Jesus has loosened his grip on your hand it's that you've pried your fingers free thinking things are better elsewhere; thinking wandering outside his path might be fun or more interesting.  I've done it countless times and trust me, resting safe and secure in the grip of his loving hand is the only place you wanna be.

So, my precious boy (young man), pray daily that God will give you the desire to stay within the guardrails of this big, wide place of freedom.  You'll be the happiest you've ever been and you'll make it to the promised land with the least amount of stumbling.

Love you, momma"

Though they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord holds them by his righteous, right hand (Psalm 37:24).