Do you remember the first time your parents let you stay up as late as you wanted? Or the first time they let you choose to do your homework after you played with your friends? Or gave you the option to go to the movies before completing your chores? Maybe it came with a slight warning about how they did not think it was wise, but ultimately it was your choice.
If you stayed up late, chances are you were dragging the next day. If you held off on your homework, odds are you were stressed with the impending deadline and had to scramble to complete it. If you held off on your chores, I bet the amount of work only increased, and you became overwhelmed. God lays out what He thinks is best. But ultimately the choice is ours. When we align ourselves with God’s directions, we don’t experience the negative side effects. This is for our protection and our good, just like proper bedtimes, or working first and playing later.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Joshua 1.8