The Good choice or the God choice? Daily Devotional - January 5, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 9-10, Psalm 11-13, Matthew 7

One of the hardest things about being a Christian, and truly surrendering to the will of God, is choosing His path even when those around us don't agree or understand. Many times their reasoning and persuasion is very valid and very tempting, but even though it sounds good it still may conflict with what the Holy Spirit has put on our hearts to do. David faces this similar situation in Psalm 11 when the righteous men that are with him try to persuade him to flee from the coming attack. He knows that in this situation God has called him to stand and face them. After he hears this advice, he reminds himself of God's leading and sovereignty (verse 4), "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them." He is confident that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and that He will surely not forsake them!

It was a valid argument to flee from the coming attack, but it was the “safe” choice rather than the “God” choice. It was a path that was chosen out of fear and not out of trust in God. Their reasoning wasn't done out of impure motives or ill desire for David—in fact, they were looking out for David's safety! However, the simple fact remained that God was saying something different. God's will may not make always make sense to even “good” people around us, but if we put our trust in Him, our decisions will be a testimony to God's power, provision, and protection over our lives. Of course we should always trust certain wisdom and advice, such as the authority figures he has placed in our lives...however we must realize that not all advice is going to be God advice.

Following the will of God, will not come without having to say a few painful “no's” and silence our ears to advice that doesn't line up with what God is speaking—but we will end up on the other end with a testimony! My husband's favorite quote is “It's the good things in life that rob you from the great.” There are many “good” choices we can make in life, but the real question is, are they the “God” choices?

Thanks for reading,
Mel

PS - Happy Birthday Pastor Ben!

Tomorrow's reading: Genesis 11-12, Psalm 14-16, Matthew 8