GOD MADE US TO LIVE FOR HIM

Psalm 119:73-80 says, "You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed." God created us as human beings to live for Him. We are not meant to live for ourselves, but to follow and obey His commandments. It is because of sin that our relationship with God is broken and distorted. When sin entered the world, and we inherited the sin of Adam, our desire to follow and obey God was affected. We began to pursue our ways, instead of the ways of God. We became self-centered, instead of God's centered. 

However, our Heavenly Father sent His only Son, Jesus, to this world to save us from sin and give us a new life. We received the Holy Spirit to teach and empower us to live for our Heavenly Father by obeying His commandments and instructions. As we go to work today and do our daily chores, we must remind ourselves that we are no longer living for ourselves, but for God. When we feel tension between following God and our own desires, we must pray for a change of heart to choose God's way. Choosing God's ways is for our own good because it leads us to the center of God's will. However, our ways can lead us to all kinds of regrets and disappointments. Our ways may give us temporary comfort, joy, and excitement, but they will ultimately lead us to despair, guilt, and shame. 

Let us concentrate on following God's Word today. Let us pray that God will give us the power and courage to obey Him, for it is good for us. If we want to have an abundant and blessed life, we must follow God's Word.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did God create me? Why is it important for me to follow God's Word? What should I do when I am struggling to follow God?

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

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, You created me for your own purpose, not for mine. Please forgive me if I have been living for my own will, instead of your will. Please change my heart, renew my mind, and give me the courage and desire to follow you. Your ways lead to an abundant and blessed life. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.