Side With the Shepherd!

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Today's Passage> Psalm 119: 1-37
Memory Verse> Ps. 119: 1-3

There's a scripture in Proverbs that says a man's ways seem right in his own sight, but only God can weigh his intentions. In other words, if we're left to figure out on our own what's right and what's wrong, we'll get it wrong every time. So the Shepherd has put a fence around us to let us know what's acceptable and what will lead us away from Him. But what often happens is we, even the very elect of God, become tired of doing things God's way when certain circumstances arise. Let's be honest: no matter how long any of us has been saved, we find the Shepherd's statutes hard to live up to when our backs are against the wall.

The question that we must get settled in our hearts is this: is it REALLY possible to live life God's way? When He tells us to bless those who persecute us, do we really believe that He gives us a way to walk it out? When He says be angry and sin not, do we take the time to understand that it's ultimately for OUR good? Here's how we can begin to yield to His leading on a daily basis. First, we must accept the fact that, as sheep, we have no clue how to find our own way (although we do try sometimes). We need the Shepherd because He is the only way to righteousness. We can't fall into this deception from the kingdom of darkness that we can discern for ourselves which decisions are best for us. We MUST settle in our spirits that we NEED the Shepherd to lead us, and His paths are always right.

Secondly, we have to seek God with a desperation that communicates to Him how important we know He is in our lives. He promises that we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts. It's at that point that He shows us what He wants us to do. His Will is found between the pages of His Word, and we must hide it in our hearts so that when the time comes to choose His way, we can make that decision wisely. This next part is especially hard for our flesh, but today's passage says to REJOICE in God's laws. I can tell you right now that if you don't see His laws as your protection, you will find yourself resenting God's ways. Check your attitude during praise and worship: are you committed to worshipping God with a sincere heart even though He requires you to be the one to humble down and die to yourself? That's a simple way to know whether you're ready to yield to the Shepherd's leading, or if you just want to choose your own way.

Which brings us to the final point. At the end of the day, all God can do is speak softly to you and use His staff to lead us where we can find green pastures, and where He can protect us. But He has given us free will. So will you use yours to choose His paths of righteousness-- which gives us access to His blessing and authority over the enemy? Or will you choose your carnal solutions to the situations you face? If experience hasn't yet taught you that it's in your best interest to side with the Shepherd, it ultimately will. But I hope you'll just take God's Word for it and watch your life blossom in the Shepherd's care.


Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, for we need Your strength from day to day. There's no other we can turn to, who can help us face another day; Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.