The Good Ways of God

Daily Reflection / Produced by The High Calling

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”

Isaiah 48:17

Through his Word and by the Spirit, God teaches us what is right and what is wrong. Thus we learn to live our lives in a way that honors him.

But when God teaches us and we follow his instruction, we benefit as well. In Isaiah 48:17, God says, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you, and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Literally, the Hebrew reads, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit [ya‘al in Hebrew].” A similar thought and use of the Hebrew verb is found in Proverbs 11:4: “Riches won’t help [ya‘al] on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.” Thus, we obey God’s instructions, not only because it’s right to do so and not only because our obedience glorifies God, but also because in so doing we discover what is best for us.

Throughout history, and especially in our day, the ways of God do not match the ways of the world. When it comes to matters of humility, sexuality, worship, generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, leadership, and so much more, God teaches us to live in a countercultural way. Yet, no matter what the world says, God’s ways are best. Thus we are encouraged to obey even, and especially, when our obedience contradicts popular wisdom.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: As you think of your life, when has following God’s ways brought blessing to you? Where do you find it hard to do what God says rather than what the world says?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for teaching me what is best for me. Left to my own devices, I quickly mess up my life. But when I seek you, when I shape my life according to your Word, when I heed the quiet whisper of your Spirit, then I live in the best possible way. Thank you!

Help me, dear Lord, to pay even closer attention to your teaching. May your words echo in my mind and conscience. May I choose to do what honors you, knowing that living for your glory is the very best life there is. Amen.

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By Mark D. Roberts. Published by The High Calling, November 15, 2008. Image by Cindee Snider Re. Used with Permission.

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© 2008 by The High Calling and the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.