Daily Devotional

It seems like problems pop up in my life that leave me not knowing what to do.  Or how to do it.  Or maybe require tasks which I do not like.

My roof needs some work, to make it more rainproof, and to better keep the rats at bay. How do I handle this?  My air conditioner is a problem.  It will not cool effectively on hot summer days, but always keeps running.  Do I replace it?  I often have spiritual issues which confound me, or which seem too hard for me to deal with.  What is my solution?

Such things create anxiety, and sometimes fear.  Left to myself, I will eventually work my way through them all.  But it is seldom enjoyable, and very often frustrating.  In addition, the product is often not as good as I hoped for.  And it likely cost too much, in money, time or effort.

Unbelievers are stuck in such spots.  But for believers, there is a better way.  In fact, the better way is the only prescribed way.  The only way to enjoy the process.  The only way to a pleasing result, which upon reflection gives joy!

This way is laid out for us in Psalm 32:8-9.  The Lord invites us to a life of spiritual understanding, unlike a horse or a mule, which need physical restraints.  Here is what He declares He will do for us: I will instruct you.  I will teach you.  I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Our fleshly pride says we do not really need help.  But our spirit, having been redeemed in Christ, yearns for ongoing instruction and continuous teaching.  It wants God to counsel it, with His presence always there.

So instead of the sorrows of the wicked, we get the Lord’s loving kindness.
 
"Many are the sorrows of the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, Loving kindness shall surround him."  Psalms 32:10

Prayer is our approach to walking in this way.   We are invited to ask: Lord Jesus, instruct me and teach me.  Counsel me with Your eye upon me.  Give me understanding, unlike the horse or the mule.  Grant that Your lovingkindness might surround me.

Prayers like these are not once made and forgotten.  Rather, praying in this fashion becomes a lifestyle, part of our essential pattern of life activity.  Then we also can take hold of the imperatives from verse 11 – Be glad!  Rejoice!  Shout for Joy!
"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, You righteous ones, And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart."

Our good and fruitful life awaits us every day!

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation