Devotion in Psalm 143

 

Daily Nugget:
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

In this Hebrew hymn, David pleaded for God’s help. He asked God for something wise to request and will always keep one from having regrets. The leader asked God to teach and show him His will. If we know God’s desire and follow it, we will always be where and what God wants us to be and will accomplish what He has planned for us.

Unfortunately, our fleshly desires are often followed rather than God’s way. Because of that, we can find ourselves in a harmful situation or in the wrong direction. Most of our mistakes in life are because we did what we wanted and did not seek God’s guidance in our decision-making. God’s leadership is never wrong.

Knowing God’s will can be found:

• In His Word. In the Bible, He has carefully preserved examples of others facing similar challenges we may have to face. We can learn from others’ examples.
• We can find what God demands and desires from us and what we should not do. When we read and study God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will also use conviction to keep us from making the wrong decision or to direct us in the path God desires for us.
• By hearing similar sources repeating the same conviction of our hearts. If God wants us to know something, He often lets us hear it more than one time from different sources. Often, God uses preaching, Christian peers, books, and others’ advice to reinforce what God desires for us to do.
  “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14
• By following open doors of opportunity in the direction you are seeking. If you want God’s will, allow Him to direct you or stop you from going to the wrong place or from doing the wrong thing. If your desire is not possible, accept that as His will. If you misread His direction, He can always create the opportunity again.
• If you believe God is leading you to do the idea or change what is on your heart. God will NEVER lead anyone to do something sinful or wrong!
• By being aware when your prayers are answered.

If you do not know what to do, or God’s direction is not clear, continue to do what God has already shown you to do until He shows you otherwise! Be patient! If it is God’s will to do something, He will make it possible when He knows it is the right moment. You may be in a hurry, but God knows it may not be the proper timing.

God does not desire to play guessing games with those that want to follow His leading. He will make it clear when He sees fit.

You can know God’s will and way in your life. Will you let God say “no” to your request if He desires? Will you obey His direction if He shows you? If so, God will lead you in a plain path if you ask and wait for His clear leadership.
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” Psalm 27:11

Today’s Thought: 
“There is but one question and that is ‘What is the will of God?’ That settles all other questions.” — William E. Gladstone

Words to Understand:
Supplications: requests; asking submissively

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 143
1 A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7 ¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.