The difference between a strike and a split is but a matter of inches. If the bowling ball hits the center pocket correctly, all ten pins fall down. But if the ball veers just slightly off its intended course all kinds of crazy formations can appear to include the dreaded split where pins are left standing on opposite sides of the lane. I had my share of splits last night as the bowling ball just missed the strike zone!
Meditation
Psalm 25:4-5—Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.
When I try to live life on my terms, I have a great idea of what needs to happen. Unfortunately, the result of self-determination is truth deviation. My path leads to problems. To negotiate life correctly, I need to be on God’s path. King David was probably not a bowler, but he knew all about center pocket living. Here’s what he reveals in Psalm 25.
1. We need the Lord to show us His ways. His ways are perfect! This calls for prayer on our part—asking for God’s help.
2. We need to be teachable so we can learn God’s paths. This calls for humility.
3. We have to be malleable so that God is able to guide us in His truth. This calls for flexibility and a willingness to be directed.
4. Our eyes have to look to God for His direction at all times. This calls for patience and eyes that look not to the world but to God for instruction.
Psalm 25 offers more great news.
The LORD is good and upright; therefore He shows sinners the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. All the LORD’s ways show faithful love and truth to those who keep His covenant and decrees . . . Who is the person who fears the LORD? He will show him the way he should choose. (vs. 8-10,12)
Despite our tendency to find the gutter, God is willing to show us His way. He honors the humble by revealing His leading will. His mannerisms are full of love as we do our part to obey Him. When we revere Him, He reveals for us. Given what God offers isn’t it amazing how quick we are to ignore Him or miss His instruction and try and negotiate life by our own stubborn will! Let’s remember where our salvation comes from and live accordingly!
Inspiration
Prosperity in home, in business, and in every way comes from following God’s instructions in each detail.—Oswald Chambers in Biblical Psychology
