GOD'S WAYS VERSUS MY WAYS

One of the reasons many do not want to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior is that they do not want anyone controlling their lives. They want to be independent. They want to do whatever they want to do without being interfered with by anyone. Frank Sinatra's famous song said it all from one of the stanzas of the song, "I planned each charted course; Each careful step along the byway, But more, much more than this, I did it my way." One of the dark ages of the history of the Nation of Israel is during the judges' period. In the book of Judges in the Old Testament, it mentions this phrase twice: "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes" (Judges 17:6 and 21:25). The phrase represents a departure from God's commandments and instructions to follow personal desires and create their own truth. The people of Israel chose to rule their lives instead of being ruled by God. As a result, they suffered in moral, social, and spiritual chaos. The people of Israel did terrible things to each other, almost wiping out one of their tribes. God eventually brought Samuel to bring order to the nation of Israel. 

When we disregard God and live our own lives according to our own desires, it will not end well for us. We may become successful in our careers, make lots of money, or get what we want, but we will never have God's peace in our lives. God is the one who gives us peace, security, and stability in our lives. God knows what is best for us because He created us for Himself. When we live for ourselves, apart from God, we will face the consequences of our own actions. Galatians 6:7-8 says, "Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." The people of Israel experienced constant turmoil during the judges' era because they chose not to follow God. There is only one way to have a good life in this world: we must live according to the ways of God. 

Let us wholeheartedly dedicate our lives to God and choose to follow His ways rather than our own. We must live according to God's ways to have a fulfilling life.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What are the consequences of living for my own desires instead of following God's ways? Am I currently living my life in my own way, apart from God, or am I surrendering my life to Him? How should I live my life according to 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 are my God, and you created me for yourself. Your ways are better than mine. Please help me to always rely on you and not to rely on my own understanding. Please forgive me if I have been living for my own selfish desires. Please continue to change my heart to follow your ways. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.