Day 206

2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

DURING TIMES OF confusion, we often look for a road map that will help us understand where we’re headed. Usually, our thoughts, anxieties, and lists are all aimed at navigating us away from an immediate situation we’ve landed in. Often, though, we’re attempting to change our current circumstance without considering the spiritual paths we’ve been walking that have simply manifested themselves in our lives as circumstance. In our reading from Psalms today, we encounter a series of statements that, if considered and obeyed, become the blueprint for life we’re looking for —one that will actually work:

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

As we consider these statements, we need to honestly assess whether we’re living into them before we make our own plans to change our current circumstances. If we’re not, then we’re disconnected from the spiritual realities that show up as the issues of our lives. Segregating our physical reality from our spiritual existence will never work, and Psalm 19 serves as a reminder that everything begins and ends with God’s collaboration and instruction. As the psalm tells us:

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

May we first consider our spiritual wellness before continuing to thrash about, attempting to order our exterior world. Life is lived from the inside out, and when we forget this, we end up in trouble. Thankfully, our reading from Psalms gives us language in the form of a prayer to help us find our center once again:

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

MEDITATION:

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given. . . . He is the LORD our God. His justice is seen throughout the land.