Consider My Ways (Abide Devotion for October 21, 2016)

Psalm 119:57-64

⁵⁷ You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words.

⁵⁸ I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

⁵⁹ I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

⁶⁰ I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

⁶¹ Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.

⁶² At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

⁶³ I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees. ^[1]

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What struck me today was the psalmist’s comment about considering his ways.  He examined his life to see whether he was in fact walking in conformity with the Lord’s statutes. His intent apparently is to bring his steps in conformity with the Lord and so walk in His ways.

Do I take the time to consider my ways?  Is that part of my daily or weekly regimen?  We include a brief period of self-examination at the beginning of many of our worship services, but that is hardly adequate for the task of thoroughly examining our thoughts, our words and our actions.  This takes more time.

I have mentioned that it is my practice to include a daily self-examination of my ways as part of my morning devotion.  I’ll admit sometimes I spend more energy on this than others.  There are times when it merely a cursory review of the day without a thorough exploration of my heart and motives.  This passage reminds me of the importance of taking the time and effort for considering my ways, so that God can lead me in His way.

So my prayer today is that the Holy Spirit lead me to examine my thoughts, words and deeds.  I pray that the Spirit open my eyes to see where I need to make correction and change, and provide the strength to make those changes so that I may turn my steps to His statutes.

What is the Word leading you to pray about today?

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^[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 119:57–64). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.