Burden or blessing? Part 2

Last week, we began our exploration into what the Bible calls the Old Testament Law. We saw that the term refers to broadly, the rules and regulations God gave His people through His servant Moses and recorded them in the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. We discovered in His Word that God’s purpose in giving the Law was (is) to reveal His holy perfection, enable to us realize our utter imperfection and to ultimately lead us to see our need for salvation through Christ, God’s provision for our need.

So that is how we view the Law through the advantage of this point in history. But how did the people who received the law initially and lived under the burden of trying to keep it? Certainly that was frustrating - beyond that, did they resent the Law? Did they rebel out of that resentment and frustration and ultimately dismiss it?

The Old Testament tells us exactly the opposite. Let’s take a look…

Psalm 119:147,148 -I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words. My eyes anticipate the night watches that I may meditate on Thy word.

Psalm 119:165, 167: Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. My soul keeps Thy testimonies and I love them exceedingly!

Not only does the Old Testament express great love and value for the Law, it also extols its benefits. In addition to peace and stability mentioned above, this same chapter of Psalms lists other things gained through the Law:

Psalm 119:130 - The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 19 practically gushes about the wonderful things gained through the law: vs. 7-11 - The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by the, Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

One final thing I want to note about the view of the Law from the Old Testament lens:

God explains the goal of the Law in Leviticus 19:18. And from that, He shows that He never changes, is the same yesterday, today, and forever because Jesus tells us the same thing in Matthew 22:36-40. The goal of the Law, the greatest commandment, is that we would love God with our whole heart, soul and mind…and that we would love our neighbor as our own selves. THAT is what the Law is trying to shape us into!

And, further illustrating His consistent sameness, both the Old and the New Testament are clear about the only way this can be accomnplished:

Psalm 119:145, 146: I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord! I will observe Thy statutes. I cried to Thee; save me and I shall keep Thy testimonies. And in Romans 7:15-8:4, the apostle Paul wrestles with his desire to keep the Law and his utter inability to do so. He concludes Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh in order that the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who do no walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

The Law. Not a burden but rather a blessing. It reveals the perfection of Almighty God and our need for a Savior. It’s the only path for salvation…Jesus. His righteousness. His grace. His love. Compels us to obey.

Be happy - compilation

My friend Lisa suggested a list of all the tips.  I think she had a good idea so I did just that.  I feel pretty inadequate, laying these thoughts to you, in hopes they can be of some help or encouragement.  But I know from my own experience and  many of my friends that fighting depression and discouragement is indeed a real battle.  I wish I could believe it doesn't have to be fought in the lives of Christians but that is simply not reality.  We Christ-followers are indeed waging a costly war against this malady.  And, it brings me to tears as I recall some who never have found victory.  I believe we can, I know we can.  If you find yourself in such darkness that you cannot even find the faith to believe, then I will believe for you.  That's not unbiblical - see Luke 5:20.  Let me know how you're doing.  If you've been able to encourage someone else with a tip or two from here.  Or if you've been encouraged yourself. 

1. Check out possible physical problems (fatigue, hormones, illness)

2. Acknowledge God's command to be joyful

3. Don't blame others - accept responsibility for your own joy

4. Confess sin

5. Address systems errors (ways to do things better/more successfully)

6. Accept the unchangeables.

7. THE WORD - get in it.

8. Pray. And listen.

9. Talk to yourself - but be sure and preach the Truth!

10. Monitor music and media

11. Immerse yourself in God's creation

12. Don't go to the extreme of over-activity or of isolation.

13. Serve others.

14. Give Satan his due, but no more.  Focus on Christ.

15. Know you are loved.

16. Do something.

17. Be thankful.

18. Don't trust your feelings - trust the Truth.

19. It's not all about you - consider the effect you have on others.

20. Forgiveness

21. Use medicine sparingly, after you have tried the other strategies.

22.

Wait on the Lord.

Be happy - final tip

Wow.  22 posts about our journey for joy.  When I began this series, I thought I would list a few things and take maybe a couple of posts to do so.  As I began writing, I had more and more to say.  And many of you were interested enough (and encouraging!) so I kept going.  I think I'm done.  I am sure I haven't covered all there is to say on the topic but I think I've exhausted my expertise.  One final word.

What to do when the darkness will not lift.  When you've tried all these things I've suggested, to the best of your ability.  What then?

Tip # 22 - Wait on the Lord.

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon battled seasons of depression.  He was very transparent about it and this quote is most encouraging-

I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depression.  I know the burdens of despair and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone. But hundreds of time I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their despondency.  So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ.


Jesus promises never to leave us nor forsake us - and that includes dark times.  Especially the dark times.  When you feel you are immersed in hopelessness and miserably alone, trust in His Word, which is true-er than your feelings or your circumstances. His plan is to redeem all things for good, even your seasons of despondency.  Cling to Him and just hold on through the storm.  When the sun finally breaks through, you will see that His everlasting arms have been securing you all the time. It was HE who was holding onto you.

Jesus's words to Simon Peter are applicable here.  Luke 22:31,32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Just as He prayed for Simon Peter, Scripture assures us that He is praying for us as well.  Take comfort in that assurance.  Take confidence in the fact that His prayers will most certainly be answered.  And your faith will not fail.  And when you are able to turn to see the light again, so strengthen your sisters.  They need you.