Turning my Steps

It is a year in which I am seeking guidance from God, clear direction as to the path of life I should take.  It has involved a lot of reflecting, journaling, praying and most importantly, reading scripture. I have been studying Psalm 119 and stopped at Psalm 119:59

“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”

I was struck with the thought that this is exactly where I am, this year is all about “considering my ways” and “turning my steps,” and that the writer has chosen to direct his steps according to the statutes of the Lord, not his own rules for living or those set up for him by other people.

In a commentary by Calvin he writes: “…the commencement of a godly life consists of men waking from their lethargy, examining their ways, and, at last, wisely considering what it is to regulate their conduct properly.  He next instructs us, that when a person is inclined in good earnest to frame the course of their life well, there is nothing better than for him to follow the direction which the Lord points out.” 

I don’t know about you, but I have decided that the will of God is the best thing for my life.  I have tried what my will would like and it inevitably leads me off the path.  The Word of God directs us to the way and manner in which we should walk.

God Shows us the Way

In looking at the above verse in context, it shows us exactly what the steps of one who has considered their way actually looks like?

1. We choose God’s way above all else, He becomes our portion as the Psalmist says, which means He is our passion and we look to Him for our inheritance. Here the psalmist resolves to be obedient to God’s direction. (Psalm 119:57)
2. From His Word, we develop our faith and over time the fruit of faith will start to become evident in our lives.
3. Even when we sin, we earnestly seek again the face of God and want to be reconciled to Him and receive mercy from Him. (Psalm 119:58)
4. We examine our ways and keep a clear conscience by seeking to do what is right, we endeavor to make correction as we consistently move in repentance. We do not delay to correct our path. (Psalm 119:59-60)
5. Even when we go through difficult times by the action of our enemy or other people, we endure without forsaking what we believe, comforted in the knowledge that the Lord upholds the way of the righteous and we have done all to live His way. (Psalm 119:61)
6. We maintain a secret life of earnestly and cheerfully seeking God out in private, giving thanks for His hand in our life. (Psalm 119:62)
7. You will find us in fellowship, in the company of those who love God (fear Him only) and who keep His way of life. (Psalm 119:63)
8. We seek to grow spiritually, constantly looking to increase in spiritual knowledge and understanding. Even though we have understood God’s continuing mercy, we seek to know even more of God, knowing that the earth is full of His love. (Psalm 119:64)

In fact, these are the steps of a maturing believer, the characteristics that you will see in their lives.

Proverbs 4:20-28

My daughter, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Help me Father, to consider carefully how I live my life and evaluate it honestly against your Word.  Help me to follow the path of life that Your Word guides me in.  Help me to look carefully at what the characteristics of a mature believer are and make the necessary changes in my life.

What Does a Mature Believer Look Like?

Five Obstacles to Spiritual Growth

Spiritually Bored

A Vital Personal Discipline