Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.1
This verse is packed with godly principles that we may apply as we grow in our walk with God.
First, God’s way is different from worldly ways that we blindly follow. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.2
Second, we need a teacher who can help us navigate and learn about the God’s truth. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me.3
Third, like walking, daily we need to put into practice the truth that is revealed to us. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, . . . All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.4 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.5
Gleaning from Scripture requires intentionality; it requires a daily study and devotion that we may progressively learn God’s way. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.6 Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.7 There is a need for endurance, trusting the finished work of Jesus. For by grace you have been save through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.8
Fourth, we need to align our mind and heart to God’s way. He has revealed different facets of himself through his names; as we know him more, we learn to fear him reverentially. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.10 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, . . .11 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.12
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.13
Notes:
1. Psalm 86:11
2. Isaiah 55:8-9
3. John 14:6
4. John 16:13-15
5. John 17:17
6. Romans 12:2
7. Ephesians 4:22-24
8. Ephesians 2:8-9
9. Proverbs 1:7
10. Proverbs 9:10
11. Psalm 33:18-19
12. Proverbs 14:26-27
13. Isaiah 9:6-7
