That's Good

A psalm. A song to be sung on the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim Your unfailing love in the morning, Your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. (Psalms 92:1-3 NLT)

All too often I find myself in conversations with people where they are asking me what is "OK" to do in God's eyes.

"Is it OK for me to wear jeans to church?" 
"Is it OK to have coffee even while the church service is going on?"

Sometimes the questions get a bit more personal and hard-hitting.

"Is it OK to drink as long as I don't get drunk?"
"Is it OK not to like a person as long as I don't hate them?"

We try so hard to understand where the line is with God.  How far can I go doing the things I really want to do without getting into trouble with God.  The thing is, walking with God is not about "getting away" with stuff that's "really fun."  Walking with God IS fun.

You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done. O LORD, what great works You do! And how deep are Your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But You, O LORD, will be exalted forever. (Psalms 92:4-8 NLT)

God knows what's best for us.  He knows that when we follow His ways, life happens just the way He intended.  And everything God wants for us is good.  In fact, when we love Him and follow His ways, he promises to work things together for our good.  When we don't, though, we never win the fight against God.

Your enemies, LORD, will surely perish; all evildoers will be scattered. But You have made me as strong as a wild ox. You have anointed me with the finest oil. My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents. But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!" (Psalms 92:9-15 NLT)

I remember purchasing something one time and I asked the person behind the counter if he accepted credit cards.  "We gladly accept cash!" he said with a smile on his face.  That moment stuck with me.  All too often we think we are missing something because we can't use a "credit card" or accept "credit cards" in life.  What God wants us to see is that "accepting cash" is always good.  

We find joy when we live the life He designed us to live. 
We don't need to feel like we're missing something.

Walking with God is not just "OK."  
It's really, really good.