I lived apart from my parents for 2 years when I was 11 and 12. They sent me away to a big city for a better education since our family lived in a small rural town. It was then that I truly felt my mother’s love for me.

I never resented being sent away. I understood why she did it and was very thankful. I knew it was difficult for her to send away her first-born and not be able to see him everyday. But she did it so that I will have a better future, even though it would be a tremendous loss for her.

And this motivated me to be good and work hard. I wanted to show her that her sacrifice wasn’t being wasted.

This is the kind of motivation that God wants us to have in relating to Him. When I read Psalm 119, I hear David wanting to be good and do good because he loves God and wants to please Him. It really wasn’t for things to go well for him as much as his wanting to please God by being the type of person God wants him to be. It was his love for God that motivated him to be good and do good.

Therefore I love your commandments

above gold, above fine gold.

Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right

I hate every false way. 

Psalm 119:127

How strong is your desire to please God? How thankful are you for what He has done for you? How are you motivated in doing your daily tasks? Love or obligation?

PH