Which other scriptures highlight the benefits of obeying God's word after straying? From wandering to obedience — Psalm 119:67 “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.” Scriptures that celebrate the rewards of returning and obeying Forgiveness and cleansing • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Isaiah 55:7 — “Let the wicked forsake his own way… and He will abundantly pardon.” Renewed joy and strength • Psalm 51:12 — “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.” • Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Guidance and wisdom • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give counsel and watch over you.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will direct your paths.” Peace and protection • Psalm 119:165 — “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” • Isaiah 48:18 — “If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river.” Fruitfulness and prosperity • Deuteronomy 30:9-10 — “The LORD your God will make you prosper abundantly… because you obey the LORD your God.” • Psalm 1:2-3 — “His delight is in the law of the LORD… whatever he does will prosper.” Deeper fellowship with God • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me… and I will reveal Myself to him.” • James 4:8 — “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Freedom and blessing in daily life • James 1:25 — “The one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and continues in it… he will be blessed in what he does.” • Proverbs 28:13 — “Whoever confesses and renounces [sin] finds mercy.” Snapshots of grace in real lives • The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) — a wayward son returns, and the father clothes him with honor, joy, and restored relationship. • King Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:12-16) — after grievous sin, repentance leads to deliverance, renewed worship, and fortified cities. • Jonah (Jonah 3:1) — “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time,” and obedience ushers in revival for an entire city. The ongoing promise—today and forever Psalm 119:71 adds, “It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” God disciplines to reclaim; He forgives when we return; He pours out peace, guidance, joy, and lasting fruit as we walk in the light of His Word. The benefits are immediate—clean conscience, renewed intimacy—and eternal, for “he who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). |
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