How can we ensure our actions align with God's will in our lives? The Warning Embedded in 2 Chronicles 7:22 “Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them. Because of this, He has brought all this disaster upon them.” • God links disaster to a deliberate turning away, not to random fate. • The hinge point is forsaking—abandoning active loyalty and love for the LORD. • Aligning our actions with His will flows from the opposite response: steadfast devotion that refuses rival gods. Guarding Against Forsaking the Lord 1. Remember what He has done • Psalm 103:2 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.” • Regular gratitude keeps the heart warm toward God, crowding out competing loyalties. 2. Reject substitutes early • 1 John 5:21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” • Anything that steals affection—status, pleasure, comfort—must be named and dismissed. 3. Receive Scripture as final authority • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” • Decisions bow to the text, not to shifting culture or feelings. Cultivating Daily Alignment with His Will • Consistent Word intake - Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night… then you will make your way prosperous.” • Conversational prayer throughout the day - Psalm 25:4 “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” • Spirit-led obedience in small things - Luke 16:10 “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” • Fellowship that sharpens - Hebrews 10:24 – 25 “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” Four Practical Commitments 1. Start each day by surrendering plans • Romans 12:1 “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” 2. Test every motive by the Word • Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 3. Seek wise counsel before major steps • Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 4. Evaluate outcomes by fruit, not by comfort • Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit; actions that align with God’s will produce this fruit. Promises God Gives to the Obedient • Guidance - Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Sustaining presence - Isaiah 58:11 “The LORD will guide you continually.” • Lasting fruitfulness - John 15:10-11 “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love… so that your joy may be complete.” Summary and Takeaway Forsaking the Lord brings disaster; clinging to Him secures blessing and direction. Remember His works, reject idols, and revere His Word. Walk in daily surrender, Scripture-shaped motives, wise counsel, and Spirit-produced fruit. In doing so, actions stay aligned with the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. |
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