May 30, 2022
We often say about someone who is determined in some habit, "Well, he's just set in his ways. You're not going to change him."
Habits can be terribly bad or wonderfully good. The Psalmist's prayer was for a good habit. In fact, the best of all habits. The entirety of Psalm 119 is intended to convince us of the unbelievable value of listening to God through His Word and then following His directives.
"Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!" (Psalm 119:5)
To be "established" means something is set, accomplished, determined, it's happening and will continue to happen. The Psalmist prays for that, knowing that the greatest possible blessing comes when God's ways and our ways are indistinguishable. When we have so surrendered our will to His that we habitually listen to God in His Word and do what God is doing.
At that point, the great prayer of the Lord's prayer is happening. God's kingdom is coming, and His will is being done (through our established steps) on earth, as it is in heaven. What could possibly be better than a habitual lifestyle of following Him?
"Lord, I pray that in this year, in greater ways than ever before, my ways may be established to keep Your statutes!"
March 27, 2025
When our faith is sufficient to lead us to actually follow God’s plan, we will always see that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.” These words, as always, are important.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
