Greater Than Week 4 Monday

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

I have a confession today. I strongly dislike reading instructions when I buy a new item that needs to be set up or put together. If I can, I prefer to look at the item and try to set it up or put it together myself. Sometimes this method works in my favor, but most of the time, it does not. Often, I find myself wasting more time and energy because I eventually turn to the instructions after spending a significant amount of time trying to put together my item on my own. I have recently learned my lesson and have been paying more attention to instructions.

The truth is, instructions are meant to help. They are meant to serve as a guide to help us know what to do. I have been thinking about this lately and how often I try to handle my situations independently, without stopping to seek guidance. This guidance is crucial for us as we think about the decision-making process. As we face decisions, we must remember that we are not alone. We can turn to Scripture, which guides us as we strive to honor God with every decision we must make.

David understood the importance of turning to God and Scripture as he made decisions in his life. He made it clear in Psalm 19 that he delighted in God and the instructions found in His word. In this Psalm, he wrote, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (verse 7). Not only did David believe that the teachings in Scripture are perfect, but he also stated that they are trustworthy and bring wisdom. This means that when we are making decisions, Scripture provides wisdom. This does not mean that Scripture will always tell us exactly what to do, but it will always provide the wisdom we need as we make day-to-day decisions. Not only this, but David taught that when it comes to the instructions and wisdom found in Scripture, there is “a great reward for those who obey them” (verse 11).

When we are trying to make decisions, Scripture promises to provide the wisdom that we need. The question is, will we turn to it? Will we read it? Will we follow it? Will we let it be our guide? If we do, we can cling to the promise that there is “a great reward” for those who obey.

MOVING TOWARD ACTION

What decisions are you pondering right now? Before we can make decisions that honor God, we have to actually identify the decisions we are facing. Take out a notebook and write out the decisions that have come across your mind, both big and small. After writing these decisions down, put that sheet of paper in your Bible. As you read through Scripture, bring these questions to mind and pay attention to how Scripture might be guiding you as you make these decisions.

GOING DEEPER

Read Psalm 19:1-14(NLT)