Psalm 119:101, 104, 118 (NLT) says,”I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.” “Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.” “But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.”
These verses resonated with me deeply, especially in light of the pressures and temptations we all face. In a world that often celebrates superficial values, it’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of living outside of God’s boundaries. I’ve personally never smoked, and though there were times when it seemed trendy or cool, I held fast to the values God instilled in me. Similarly, social media often glamorises lifestyles where people juggle multiple relationships to gain material support—someone to pay rent, another to handle shopping, others to fund luxuries. Seeing people “succeed” in these ways can make us wonder, “Lord, why am I struggling?”
But here’s the truth: as followers of Christ, we must refuse to walk any path that draws us away from Him. I genuinely hate any false way of life because it distances us from the peace and wisdom found in obedience. I value honesty not to impress others but because it pleases God. My faithfulness and integrity are not based on convenience; they are intentional choices to honour Him. Walking in God’s way isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary, and it brings true peace, clarity, and life.
Psalm 119:118 captures this reality perfectly: when we stray from God’s ways, we may feel as though we’re gaining freedom, but in truth, we’re only fooling ourselves. Without Jesus, there is no real life, only a journey toward emptiness. Anything done in the flesh—without God’s Spirit—is bound to fade and fail. As a friend once shared, “Anything that comes solely from the flesh is bound to die a painful death.” Jesus himself affirmed this when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). With Him, we find eternal life; without Him, we find only a path of decay.
God’s commandments aren’t just rules; they’re the source of life and understanding (Psalm 119:104). Only by living in obedience can we access His wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. For myself, I’m thankful for God’s protection and for the sheltered life He has given me. Some might say I lack exposure, but I believe God’s covering is purposeful. I don’t crave worldly experiences or the drama that trends on social media. If something doesn’t bring me closer to God, I have no desire for it.
My prayer is that we each lose the taste for what the world offers and crave only what God provides. May we align our desires with His, and remember that walking with God isn’t about missing out—it’s about finding life in its fullest form. Let us make our choices rooted in Him, for in Christ alone, we find true and lasting satisfaction.