As the Lord Commands

Glancing through the window, anticipating the familiar sight beyond the bridge, I spot the river. Glistening light dancing along the surface, masking the murky deep below.  Oh the comfort of knowing what lies ahead on my afternoon drive. Today is different. The mystery lying beneath is revealed. Dunes of sand pock along the river. Have I ever seen such bareness here? Taken aback, I continue my drive.

This season has been remarkably dry, with little to no rain. Surprising considering the typical cycle of flooding. Yet despite the low water levels, the current flows in the dame direction. No matter what the river is given, it continues on, obeying the currents direction. Obeying.

Turning on the highway, I reflect on my studying in the Old Testament lately. A particular verse continues to needle and peck within my mind.

"And now, Israel what doe the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for own good."

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Weeks if not months if not a lifetime could be spent meditating on this verse. Yet, I am focused on the aspect of obedience and observing the Lord's commands. Throughout the Old Testament, numerous places in Scripture depict and illustrate the Israelites doing just as the Lord commanded. [Exodus 40, Numbers 8:20, Joshua 11:15, etc.]. Obeying each word and detail of the Lord. Obey. Do I even know what the word is let alone how to live it?

Pulling into a parking spot, I hastily grab my phone from my bag and search for the Greek meaning of obey. [Side note, I love Hebrew and Greek word studies! When you research a word or phrase in Hebrew or Greek, you get a much better picture of exactly what is meant.] The Greek word for obey is "hupakouo". Hupo actually means, means. As in, meaning to accomplish or do something. Akouo- means a physical hearing and apprehension of something with the mind. As a word, the definition is to listen with attentiveness and to respond positively to what is heard. Obedience is the intent to understand and then do it! Taking this a step further, another definition is placing oneself under/submitting to what has been heard. In placing myself under someone else's word, direction, rule, I am choosing obedience as a lifestyle. But do I live daily with the intention to do and then actually follow through doing as the Lord has told me? I set my phone aside.

Strolling through the door, I think of the river. Whether low or high water, obstacle or free flow, the water obeys the current. Sure, when low, there is less and everything seems dry and bare. But the water still flows. Yes, when obstacles mark the path, hindrances are created. But the water still flows. Then, when there is more than enough and not a hindrance in sight, the water still flows. And obedience flows in to my mind reminding me of what it is to live daily doing as the Lord commands. I ask myself, when life hurts and I feel dry and broken, do I still trust the Lord is good and follow His commands to praise Him?  When struggle after challenge comes my way at work, do I still obey the Lord to continue the calling at my job He has asked of me and love others? When I feel joyful and fully satisfied and overflowing, do I still obey the Lord to bow at His feet and seek Him with my all? I am reminded of a quote stating,

"Throughout the Bible...when God asked a man to do something; methods, means, materials, and specific directions were always provided. The man had one thing to do: obey."

-Elisabeth Elliot

So my life of obedience begins with this, I trust who God says He is. He is good! He is love! His commands are for His glory and my good. I trust that He will be and give all He promises when I submit to His rule and follow His direction. I have tried to be the stream who chose to follow it's own path. At its worst, I was left stagnant, rotting. At its best, I had some trickle of water. But it wasn't the best and I was not satisfied. I cannot walk through this life on my own. I am a broken person who desperately needs God. I need the current to guide me through this life. I may not be able to see past the obstacle to know what is coming or how I will get through, but I trust that God is good, loves me, and has high plans for my own good than I can grasp. So, I choose not to remain stagnant water but go walk in obedience to the current and trust that He will provide through my obedience with every season, whether dry or rainy. 

I meander to an open table under the skylight. Thunder rumbles as the sky darkens. My eyes lift up, rain comes.