How can we guard against following our "own devices" as warned in Psalm 81:12? Setting the Stage in Psalm 81 • “So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” (Psalm 81:12) • The context: God rescued Israel (vv. 6–7), spoke clearly (vv. 8–10), yet the people “would not listen” (v. 11). • The warning: when hearts stay stubborn, God may remove restraining grace and let people taste the fruit of self-rule. What “Own Devices” Looks Like Today • Relying on feelings over Scripture (Judges 17:6). • Measuring right and wrong by culture’s shifting standards (Isaiah 5:20). • Pursuing goals without seeking the Lord’s will (James 4:13-16). • Treating sin lightly because judgment seems delayed (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Why It’s So Dangerous • The heart is “deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). • Self-made paths end in death (Proverbs 14:12). • Following fleshly desires grieves the Spirit and dulls spiritual hearing (Ephesians 4:30). Practical Guards for the Heart • Submit every plan to God – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Keep a soft, repentant spirit – Regularly confess sin (1 John 1:9). • Anchor decisions in Scripture – Let the Word “dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Cultivate godly counsel – “In an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6) • Embrace Spirit-led obedience – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). • Practice thanksgiving and worship – Gratitude keeps eyes on God’s provision, not self-reliance (Psalm 95:1-7). Daily Habits That Keep Us Listening 1. Morning Scripture reading—start the day hearing God before hearing anyone else. 2. Short, frequent prayers—invite the Lord into real-time choices (Psalm 143:8). 3. Weekly fellowship—corporate worship reinforces Truth and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Journaling—track God’s faithfulness; spot patterns of stubbornness. 5. Media discernment—filter entertainment and news through Philippians 4:8. 6. Serving others—selflessness trains the heart to prefer God’s agenda. Encouragement From the New Testament • Jesus urges watchfulness: “Watch and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) • The Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13). • God’s grace is sufficient to keep us from stumbling (Jude 24). Closing Thoughts Guarding against “our own devices” is a continual posture of yieldedness. When Scripture saturates the mind, prayer keeps lines open, and fellowship supplies mutual reinforcement, stubborn self-direction loses its grip and the joy of Spirit-led living takes its place. |
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