WALKING IN GOD’S WAY
Opening Prayer
I praise you, God, for the amazing promise that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Read PSALM 86
Psalm 86
A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
they have no regard for you.
15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who was your most significant role model when you were growing up?We recently celebrated the arrival of our first grandchild. What a miracle watching this small baby acquire new skills as he grows and develops. Over time he will learn by mirroring those around him, as his parents teach and encourage him at each new stage. The character of this small boy will, in no small part, be a result of being taught well by those who love and invest in him (v. 16).
The same applies as we seek to grow in spiritual maturity. Despite the psalmist crying out at a time of great need, he recognized the necessity of being taught God’s ways, learning to depend more whole-heartedly on God. Declaring God’s sovereignty (v. 9), the psalmist yearned to approach God with an undivided heart (v. 11). An undivided heart is a humble heart, a heart aware that there is always more to learn about God’s character, and a heart that grows to depend on God more fully.
How easy it is for our circumstances to distract us from following God’s way, from depending on God in times of need (vv. 6, 7). Yet, God’s desire is to teach us his way of truth and for us to mirror his character with an undivided heart.
Apply
Read Psalm 86 slowly and prayerfully. Ask God to highlight a phrase that speaks to you. Repeat the phrase, inviting the Holy Spirit to teach you more about the truth of God’s Word for your own life.
Closing prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that you have not only told me how to please God; you have shown me. Help me to be more like you—doing what you have told me to do and following in your footsteps.
Book and Author Intros
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