This is the third in the teaching series on the Blessedness of Knowing the ways of the Lord
Scripture Text
“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honour.
The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.”
Psalms 112:1-10 NKJV
We are looking at the reasons that should compel or convince you to acquaint yourself with the ways of the Lord
Let’s first explore the acts of God
- His works are perfect
- His works are wonderful
But people do forget the works of the Lord sooner than expected.
The Israelites forgot his works each time they encountered problems or new challenges like most of us do when we experience the wonder of God that we bow in worship,
soon after we forget or they fizzle out of our memory.
Or how else can you explain our doubts and fear when we encounter new challenges? We forget quickly what the Lord has done just like the Israelites.
They failed every examination brought to them in the wilderness which could have been opportunities to know God more. Yet all they were interested in was their comfort and whenever that was challenged, they would murmur and pitch themselves against God
This happened because they did not know the ways of the Lord. They did not bother to acquaint themselves with pleasing the Lord
Why should we acquaint ourselves more with the ways of the Lord?
Knowing the ways of the Lord insulate you against the effects of challenges
When you are well acquainted with the ways of the Lord like Moses, Paul, Joseph, you will not cringe when troubles come.
Knowing His ways is knowing who He is and you will not be shaken
“Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.”
Psalms 112:6-8 NKJV
Those who know the way of the Lord are unmoved by circumstances
“Their circumstances will never shake them and others will never forget their example. They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat.”
Psalms 112:6-8 TPT
The Peter in the storm in Mathew 14:29-30 is different from the Peter in-front of the council in Acts 4:8, 18-20
Peter was not settled in his knowledge of the Lord during that storm but his perception changed and it reflected in his courage in the acts of the apostles
Intimacy with God enables us to love and trust Him better
“He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalms 112:7 NKJV
But when you know the ways of God, you know the Lord and to know Him is to love Him, to love Him is to trust Him, to trust Him is to obey Him, and to obey Him is to be blessed.
The way of the Lord is wisdom so knowing the way makes you surefooted
“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.”
Proverbs 4:11-12 NKJV
The way of the Lord is strength, safety and stronghold
“The beautiful ways of God are a safe resting place for those who have integrity. But to those who work wickedness the ways of God spell doom.”
Proverbs 10:29 TPT
“The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, But it is ruin to those who do evil.”
Proverbs 10:29 AMP
There is life in the way of the Lord
“In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death [but immortality—eternal life].”
Proverbs 12:28 AMP
His ways bring mercy, goodness and truth
“All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and goodness and truth and faithfulness To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”
Psalms 25:10 AMP
He teaches sinners His ways
“Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.”
Psalms 25:8 NKJV
He teaches the righteous His ways
“Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.”
Psalms 25:12 NKJV
Whether a sinner or a righteous man, the Lord teaches whoever desires to know His ways
Prayer
“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”
Psalms 25:4-5 NKJV
“Teach me Your way, O Lord, I will walk and live in Your truth; Direct my heart to fear Your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].”
Psalms 86:11 AMP
Confessions
I am grateful for the blessedness which is mine by the knowledge of the ways of the Lord
My desire this year leading to a lifetime pursuit shall be to know the ways of the Lord and to follow him like never before
I shall increase in wisdom, strength and love for my Lord as I get to know Him better
By the unveiling of the ways of the Lord to me, I experience peace, all round prosperity and great good shall come to me all through this year and throughout my lifetime in Jesus name. AMEN
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