The Pilgrim Path---Psalm 25: 4, 5

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

KNOWING GOD’S WILL

This Psalm of David is hard to wear out. It comes in handy when you are concerned to come to grips with the LORD’S will in your life. It really says nothing spooky or ethereal. It simply reminds us to humble ourselves before the LORD---and more than anything: desire what He wants for us. Read through this Psalm and catch this “openness” to the LORD. David, “lifts up his soul” to the LORD. This is what we must do. As Corrie ten Boom used to say, “We don’t give the orders---we report for duty.” This can be difficult at times. We certainly may make our case about matters---but we need to say with the LORD Jesus, “Not my will---but thine be done.”

Here are some notes from Dr. J. I. Packer’s old book, “Hot Tub Religion”---on ascertaining the Will of God for your life ----that are quite helpful:

---Ask the question: What is the best I can do for my God?

---Note the instructions of Scripture. The summons to love God and others, the limits set, and the obligations established by the law, the insistence on energetic action (Eccel. 8: 10; I Cor. 15: 58), and the drilling in wisdom (see Proverbs and James especially) enable one to make the best choice among behavioral options.

---Follow the examples of godliness in Scripture. Imitate the love and humility of Jesus himself. If we do this, we cannot go far wrong.

---Let wisdom judge the best course of action. Consider not only the wisdom God gives you personally, but the corporate wisdom of your friends and mentors in the Christian community. Do not be a spiritual Lone Ranger. When you think you know God’s will, have your perception checked. Draw on the wisdom of those who are wiser than you are. Take advice.

---Note nudges from God that come your way---special concerns or restlessness of heart might indicate that something needs to change.

---Cherish the divine peace that Paul says “garrisons” (guards, keeps safe and steady) the hearts of those who are in God’s will (Philippians 4: 7).

---Observe the limits set by circumstances to what is possible. When it is clear that those limits cannot be changed accept them as from God.

---Be prepared for God’s guidance to be withheld until the right time comes for a decision. God usually guides one step at a time.

---Be prepared for God to direct you to something you do not like and teach you to like it!

---Never forget that if you make a bad decision it is not the end. God forgives and restores. He is your covenant God and Savior. He will not let you go, however badly you may have slipped. “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me” (Micah 7: 8).

“He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25: 9, 10

From The Psalter, 1912 / Psalm 119: 33—40

Teach me, O LORD, your way of truth,

And from it I will not depart;

That I may steadfastly obey,

Give me an understanding heart.

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our Risen LORD, Pastor Jason