While reading through today’s Scriptures, I am reminded of how easily it is to lose focus with regards to keeping God’s commands.  Paul tells us that the hope of righteousness comes, by faith, through the Spirit, not from some futile and increasingly frustrating attempts to keep every point of every one of God’s commandments.  Jesus chastises the Pharisee for using the Law for personal advancement to the detriment of others.  I suspect that many of us, myself included, can get so caught up in the particulars of individual commandments that we/I forget the main purposes are, as Jesus stated (Matthew 22:37-40) to help us love the Lord God with all our hearts, souls and minds and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Sometimes each one of us needs this reminder:  God loves you and wants good for you.  God did not give the Law so we could make ourselves and those around us miserable.  God’s word, found in the Law and manifested in Christ, is intended to bring us close to God.  And when we are close, our Good Shepherd can lead us through good times and bad, give us rest and food when we need it, and guide us so we don’t have to navigate the difficult, frightening and dangerous places on our own.  Seemingly difficult commandments, like forgiving others and loving your enemies, help us by easing the pains, bitterness and dread that result from holding grudges.  “Do not fear,” repeated so many times in the Word, encourages us to replace feelings of anxiety and terror with the calm and peace that comes from trusting and hoping in our Lord.

Loving God, draw each one of us close to you.  Let us delight in your commands.  Let your mercy come to each one of your children, O Lord.  Amen.