ALIGNING OURSELVES TO GOD'S WORD

Psalm 119:65-72 says, "You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me, but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth, I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver." God is the only one who can teach us to make good decisions (judgment) and acquire knowledge. God knows everything, and there is nothing hidden from Him; as a result, if we need help in making good decisions and want knowledge, we need to seek and follow His Word. God's Word is the guide that we need to align our lives to. The farther we get from God's Word, the farther we get from God, and God has to correct our ways when we are getting farther and farther from Him. He disciplines us to get our lives back align with His Word.

God's discipline often brings discomfort or suffering in our lives to capture our attention, guiding us to return to our senses and align ourselves with His Word. There's a pastor who came to know the Lord at a young age. When he was in high school, he began to stray away from God and hang out with bad company, trying to fit in and explore the world. He got into drugs and ended up dropping out of school. As his life spiraled out of control and his relationship with his family deteriorated, someone shared the gospel with him. He recalled how much better his life had been before he fell into all kinds of trouble. He began to long for a better life. As a result, he decided to go to church and read the Word of God again. The Word of God gave him a sense of new purpose in life, and his life was restored. He is now pastoring a church and telling his testimony of how God restored His life.

Satan tempts us to live however we please, but God encourages us to follow His Word, as it brings us life. God's instructions help us to make good decisions in life and give us knowledge that leads us to a better life. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can help me to make a good decision and get knowledge? Why do I need to align myself with God's Word? What happens when I stray away from God?   

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, please help me to stay close to you and not stray away from you. Thank you for your Word that is always available for me to read and meditate on. Please help me to obey your Word, and help me to overcome any temptations that come my way today. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.