Today’s Encouragement is, “So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. Oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!” Psalm 81:12-13 NLT
Their Own Desires –
God’s people, including the ancient nation of Israel, every believer since then, and you and me, are stubborn! And sometimes, as we choose to “live according to our own ideas and follow our stubborn ideas,” God steps back and lets us, just as a loving Father, who has taught the best way, then allows His stubborn child to try things his own way, to learn.
This is our choice, isn’t it?
We know the Truth. We can choose to follow the Lord and walk in His paths and ways, or we can follow our ideas and stubborn desires.
We think we know best. We think we know what we should do and why. Most of our ideas and desires, however, come from the world around us. Parents, education, social media, and many others greatly influence us. We often say, “A friend of mine told me…” and we accept these ideas and live according to the ideas of the world around us.
A few examples: “Look out for number one. God helps those who help themselves. You can do anything you want. I decide what is true for me. I can identify as whoever or whatever I choose.”
But every worldly idea, every path of life we choose to take, will disappoint us unless we choose to listen to Him and follow Him, walking in His paths.
Help us, Father God; You know how stubborn and proud we are, thinking we know best. Help us to surrender our pride and arrogance, to listen to You, and follow Your paths.
I Will Follow
Chris Tomlin