TRUST AND OBEY
Text: Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. [3] And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. [4] The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. [5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. [6] For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Scripture proclaims God’s great power and majesty while also revealing HIS deep mercy and love. HE is worthy of wholehearted, passionate submission but doesn’t often get it. Are you among the few who offer themselves to HIM without reservation?
Complete obedience is a choice to follow God regardless of the consequences. This means that we obey the Lord even if our friends choose a different path or when suffering and embarrassment are guaranteed. Seeing HIS will done is more important than our own comfort or personal ambition. We commit the consequences to God and cling to HIS promises: He will never leave us (Deut 31:6), and He makes good out of every situation (Rom. 8:28).
Notice the word OBEY in the title of today’s devotion. I’m not writing about obedience that is born of the moment (as in, I choose to follow God in this instance) but about total submission as a way of life. Setting restrictions on compliance is so tempting—we want to be able to change our mind when obeying upsets our lifestyle, the final result is unclear, or we’re just plain scared. My friend, no Christian is immune to the moments in life when you can NOT see around the bend. When the next step is absolute FAITH because the way is NOT clear. When you want to step out of the boat, but you have NEVER walked on water. Let me ask you this one sobering question: If Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life, what right do you have to limit how and when you’ll do HIS will?
As Blood bought believers, we have no right to set our own limits; our one criteria for making decisions should be, What does God want me to do? The answer at times may cause suffering, but obedience is always right. Sometimes, obeying the Lord may NOT always add up, it may go against all of man’s wisdom and others may think we have lost our minds. When in reality, spiritually, we are just lost IN HIM, seeking HIM and HIS will. Lord help us today, to seek YOU with all our hearts. Teach us to TRUST AND OBEY in all things, knowing following YOU is the surest path to favor, blessings, and spiritual growth.
Bro. Lawrence Longworth Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”