God knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us more than we can ever do, and gave us his law out of love. 
Why did God give us commandments? Why do I have to pray daily, go to Mass on Sunday and refrain from doing certain (pleasant) things? What is wrong with a little bit of pride, envy or gluttony every now and then? Does God want to torment us, take time away from us, or deny us participation in the fun parts of his creation?

In today’s first reading, Prophet Isaiah gives us a succinct answer: “Thus says the Lord, your redeemer . . . I teach you what is for your good.” That’s it. Lord God is our redeemer, he loves us infinitely and wants the best for us. He also knows us much better than we know ourselves. He knows what way of life will lead us to happiness. He also knows what actions or thoughts, even if they seem pleasant, will ultimately render us empty and wanting. This holds both for “earthly” wisdoms, which scientists are now figuring out -- a day of rest on Sunday will make us more efficient and prevent us from burning out; fasting is good for our bodies; silent prayer lets our mind rest -- and for “supranatural” aspects of our existence. God is Love. He knows that only through his grace can we live up to the standard of a full, fulfilling and joyful life. He tells us to pray not because he needs us, but because he knows we need him.

God’s law is not a list of “dos” and “don’ts” from a superior making use of her authority. It’s a “life hack,” a recipe on how to live a good life, given to us by a much wiser friend. Given out of knowledge and love.

Hence, when we hear the words of the psalm “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked . . . but delights in the law of the Lord,” let us remember what the word “blessed” actually means. It is not a normative judgment about who is “good” or “bad,” deserving of God’s reward or punishment. “Blessed” means “happy.” The Psalm contains a descriptive statement. It’s a formulation of a (supra)natural law of (meta)physics. Those seeking happiness will find the Way in God’s law.

Lord, the next time I ask, “What is wrong, why am I struggling, what should I do?” let me remember that your answers are all around me. In the Catechism of the Church. In the writings of the Saints. In your commandments, clear and explicit, on how to conduct my life. The next time I am looking for a “sign,” or complaining that the world is not the way I think it should be, let me delight in your law. Instead of daydreaming and losing sleep over earthly troubles, let me mediate on your law day and night.