Is Gods word a Joy or Burden?

July 8th, 2025
by Jon Holaday

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome..

It wasn't to long ago, I viewed godly living as a burden, His word as things I could not do. It wasn't that I didn't want to do right, but I was defeated and powerless to change on my own thus Gods word was viewed negatively. This was over 29 years ago, before Christ was invited into my life. Oh te power and freedom I received once that day happened! The new found desire to do Gods will in every area of my life. Nothing was off limits. Even in my relationship with the most important person to me up until this day, my wife now. We were dating, doing all the wrong things, yet after Jesus, I began to desire to live after Christ, glorify Him in every part of my life. I remember inviting her to church, trying to introduce her to my Jesus to be her Jesus, but I was only spinning my wheels. My only option known to do, I would break up with the only girl I loved! This would seem like a huge burden but it was the only logical decision before me. Wow what a great decision that turned out to be because I released sin and stood upon principle. And because I choose the LORD, He choose to give me His beautiful daughter! Yes, she gave in and came to church. The pastor, never knowing anything about her, preached all over her comfort levels yet Gods word brought her comfort. She acted on the Holy Spirits drawing and received Jesus that day, old things past away behold she was new! All because of a decision to view Gods word as a joy and not a burden. God, forgive me when I ever view Your words as anything but life giving. Your story may not be mine here, but when did Gods word turn from being a burden to a joy in your life? Comment if you desire. Its rather healthy to remind yourself of those times.