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!"
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
April 24, 2025
This is only possible with God’s aid. He tells us to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. But that approach begins with a plea for His help in this foundational task. It is our most important step of every day and throughout the day. We must be aware of God.
