August 5th
Pastor Ken
Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Notice the primary objective the psalm gives in being a student of the Scriptures; to avoid falling into sin. This resonates with me because, as a pastor, I’m more than familiar with the people who come to me too late; they’ve already fallen into sin and they’ve already made bad choices. Only afterwards, when they’re suffering the consequences for their sin, do they seek the wisdom of the Scriptures.
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. We’re all imperfect, we’ve all made mistakes; and so, in that context, I’m grateful for the grace of God’s Word in helping me to solve life’s problems. But Psalm 119:11 implies that God’s Word was never meant to primarily be a book of solutions for when you get into trouble, instead it was meant to be a manual on how to keep out of trouble in the first place!
Deuteronomy 4:40
If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you…
From Deuteronomy 4:40, we learn that God’s Word is meant to protect and provide for you, but it cannot accomplish that task in your life if you’re not taking the time to read, understand, and apply it’s wisdom. So, let me offer up some practical advice on how you can utilize God’s Word in making good decisions…in advance!
PRAY
James 1:5 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
All decisions, great or small, should begin with prayer.
SEEK BIBLICAL WISDOM
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
In this context, words like “lamp” and “light” both convey clarity. If you’re willing to accept it, God’s Word can offer up a lot of clarity in your decision-making.
SEEK GODLY COUNSEL
Proverbs 15:22
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
At the very least, biblical counsel AND godly counsel can help you to better define the decision you’re making.
TRUST GOD WITH YOUR DECISION
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Trusting God with all your heart means you have no “plan B.” You’ve resolved to trust God’s advice and His advice alone.
ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES
I John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
There is no benefit in continuing down the wrong path once you’ve discovered it’s wrong. For all of us, even our best efforts at following God’s advice can go awry. When it happens, admit your mistake, ask for forgiveness, and change directions.
GIVE GOD PRAISE FOR YOUR OUTCOME
Psalm 119:7
As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
Once the decision has been made and once the success has been achieved, resist the temptation to give yourself the credit. Remember that it was God who blessed your efforts.
Have a great Monday!