Psalm 32:8, 9 - God Want Us To Know The Way To Go.
Psalm 32:8, 9 - God Want Us To Know The Way To Go.
Psalm 32:8, 9 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way
you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like
the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be
controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Security against moral lapses is found in the course here
outlined. The Christian must be constantly instructed in the divine ways,
so that he may discern clearly between good and evil. He must know
the divine will in every matter, else he will not be able to
recognize the temper in his disguise. Because of the complexities of life
and the innumerable ways in which the adversary may introduce his
specious reasonings, it is necessary to receive fresh instruction daily.
This is obtained by a prayerful and purposeful reading of the Bible.
A Christian thus instructed, who purposes in his heart that he
will do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know just
what course to pursue in any matter. [SDA Bible Commentary]
God describes some people as being like horses or mules that
have to be controlled by bits and bridles. Rather than letting God
guide them step by step, they stubbornly leave God only one option. If
God wants to keep them useful for him, he must use discipline and
punishment. God longs to guide us with love and wisdom rather than
punishment. He offers to teach us the best way to go. Accept the advice
written in God's Word and don't let your stubbornness keep you from
obeying God. [Life Application SB]
Eugene Peterson says, "There are times when our grand human
plans to do something for God are seen, after a night of prayer, to be
a huge human distraction from what God is doing for us."
He is referring to the prophet Nathan's night of prayer after
King David announced he wanted to build a house for God. At first,
Nathan told the king to go ahead with his plans; but then, that night,
God told Nathan David wasn't the one to build the Temple.
"Do you know what I think?" Peterson asks. "I think David was
just about to cross over a line from being full of God to being full
of himself."
As a highly successful king, David wanted to do something big
for God. When Nathan brought him the jarring news that he shouldn't
do it, how did he react?
He sat before the Lord.
Gene sees this as perhaps David's greatest act, more
significant than killing Goliath or honoring his enemy Saul. Although David
was the king, bursting with ambition and plans, he let himself be
stopped by God. He sat before the Lord.
We naturally get caught up in our enterprises, whatever they
may be, and God can bless them as we constantly pray for his
guidance and strength. But when we taste success, we can forget who
ultimately gives that success. God becomes an afterthought instead of the
architect.
This story of Nathan and David tells us something about
handling critics and disappointments. We all experience both, and for
most of us, our bodies and minds churn with unpleasant reactions. Yet
those are often times for greater understanding and spiritual growth.
Those are times to sit before the Lord.
Eugene Peterson says that WHEN DAVID SAT BEFORE THE LORD, IT
WASN'T PASSIVITY. "IT WAS ENTERING INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD, BECOMING
AWARE OF GOD'S WORD AND TRADING IN HIS PLANS FOR GOD'S PLANS."
Lord, I have lots of plans. Help me to realize that your
blessing on them is more important than my sorting out pros and cons.
Help me to sit before you and to listen carefully even when you tell
me what I'd rather not hear. [The One Year Book of Encouragement by
Harold Myra]
All things were created by Me: things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible. I am your Creator as well as your Savior. Every
breath you breathe is a gift from Me. So it's wise to begin each day
thanking Me for the precious gift of life, regardless of how you are
feeling. This act of thankfulness connects you with Me - your living
Savior - and helps you find your way through the day.
In Me all things hold together. Your life often feels
fragmented, with many things pulling you this way and that. Your time and
energy permit you to do only a small percentage of the possibilities
that are beckoning you. So you need to set priorities and do the most
important things first. I will help you with this as you stay in
communication with Me. The more you bring your thoughts and plans to Me -
seeking My guidance - the more effectively I can show you the way
forward. Since all things hold together in Me, your life holds together
better when there is more of Me in it! (Col. 1:16, 17; Psa. 32:8;
143:8) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young]
Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the
demands of the day. Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so
pleasing to Me, the King of the universe. Because I am omnipotent, I am
able to bend time and events in your favor. You will find that you
can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to
Me in rich communion. Also, as you align yourself with My
perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not.
Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Many,
many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom. To
avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with
Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I
will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Luke 10:41, 42; Psalm 32:8)
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
Don't refuse my help and go your own way; for many are the
sorrows of those who choose to go their own way, but those who trust God
are surrounded by His love and care. [source unknown]
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Seeking God Video Clip: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice
