Choosing Your Own Way
I had a fairly busy day today. This morning I was on the local KCOL radio station with host Jimmy Lakey talking about West Nile Virus and my book. I then had my fitness center workout and then headed to the hospital for a three hour IV infusion. I was even able to get in another interview on a legislative issue during my infusion.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas.” Psalm 81:11,12 NLT
Life can be a perpetual point of decision. God’s way or our own way. God doesn’t need to bring judgment on any one individual or any nation, all He needs to do is to allow them to “have it their way” to allow them to live “according to their own ideas” and their fate is sealed and certain.
I am thankful for the mercy of God that more often than not keeps us from getting what we really deserve. But when “walk away” and become “stubborn” in what we desire, the Lord will not force us to obey.
God warned them, even “sternly” to not follow foreign gods. The Lord reminded them, “For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.” (Psalm 81:10 NLT)
The Lord redeemed His people from slavery in Egypt and promised to supply all of their needs. “But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around.” (Psalm 81:11 NLT) We are known by the company we keep. As one leader reminds us, “those closest to you, determine your success.” If that applies to human relationships, how much more the spiritual commitment we make that determines the trajectory of our life.
In this psalm, we see the heartbreak of God in the words, “Oh, that my people would listen to me!” (Psalm 81:13 NLT) Listening to the Lord and following in His ways, results in victory over enemies, the respect of others and the provision of all that we need.
“How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; they would be doomed forever. But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” (Psalm 81:14-16 NLT)
I am reminded of the words contained in an old hymn about prayer that say, “O, the peace we often forfeit, O the needless pain we bear…” That applies to our life when we stubbornly insist on our own way and choose to follow our own path and live by our own ideas.
In contrast, the life lived close to the Lord, listening to His voice, following Him in the journey of life brings His presence, peace and provision.
Prayer for today…Â Lord all too often in indirect and direct ways, it is easy to want to live life according to my “own ideas.” Forgiven me when I become inpatient or stubborn and think I know what is best. Help me to stop, listen, obey and receive all that You promise.