Transcript of Midweek Meditations podcast episode aired on Wednesday, 22nd July 2020.
What is the your way of life? What path do you walk? In a world of mantras and memes, what model of life do you follow? Every single day, voices from every direction compete for our attention. Each one of them crying out, “Follow me and I will give you life of happiness, love, positivity, and well-being.” Which voice will you follow?
Hear the words and wisdom of David as we meditate on the words of Psalm 86:11—
Teach me your way, LORD,
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
Who is this LORD David seeks to learn from? His name is Yahweh; and among the gods there is none like him, his deeds are incomparable (Psalm 86:8). He is the God who created all nations, all peoples (Psalm 86:9); and he is great and does marvellous things (Psalm 86:10).
David’s Prayer
David seeks to be taught the way of his Lord, why? So that he might rely on his faithfulness. In saying this, David implies that his lack of faith and weakness. Do you dare admit your lack of faith and weakness? Yet, when you’re humbled you’re able to come to the one who’s faithful and say, “Teach me your way, Lord.” The Lord God is faithful, but he’s also merciful.
There is no need to be afraid of the Lord in our humbleness. Yet, be careful complacency and pride in your heart. The Lord God is a jealous God, jealous for the heart and affections of his people. He’s jealous for your affections and heart. He made all the peoples of the world; and he made you. All worship and glory rightly belong to him.
Will you join with David and pray, “Give me an undivided heart, [so] that I may fear your name.” Do you desire this kind of a heart? A heart completely devoted to the Lord. Filled with unadulterated worship dedicated to the Almighty. And, desiring glory reserved exclusively for the Creator of all things.
We can find life here. This is a mantra to build your life on:
Teach me your way, LORD,
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
A life built on the faithfulness of the Lord. What does that look like in our everyday lives?
Daily Meditation
First, humility. Humility to recognise the times we lack faith and struggle with our weaknesses. Humility to pray in dependence and faith, “Lord, teach me your way.”
Second, faith and trust. This prayer should give way to faith and trust. What does this look like for you today? Where do you need to trust God’s faithfulness and surrender to him? Your family? Friends? Finances? Work? Study? Passions? Sins? The future? Or, maybe, the past?
Third, devotion and worship. We are too easily distracted by the voices of the world. The antidote to this distraction is worship. The prayer, “Give me an undivided heart,” is a prayer of worship. Whether this worship comes through meditating, reading, or hearing the Word of God; singing the praises of God; communion or intimate prayer; or enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Worship God—be in awe of God, fear God, revere God, remember who God is. Worship him.
My dear brother-in-Christ, my dear sister-in-Christ, what is the your way of life? What path do you walk? Will you walk in the way of the Lord? The Lord who is good and faithful. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Creator of my soul, Lord God, teach me your way. Teach me to walk in your way. Teach me to put my faith and trust in you.
Lord Jesus, help me to measure my failure and weakness in light of your grace and mercy. Thank you for taking my sin to the Cross where I can find forgiveness by your blood.
Holy Spirit, continue to give and grow in me faith to trust you with all of my life. Enable me to rest in the love and grace of God—Father, Son and Spirit.
All praise and majesty belongs to you, this we pray for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
