In what ways can we actively seek God's guidance in understanding His laws? The plea of Psalm 119:135 “Make Your face shine upon Your servant; teach me Your statutes.” • The psalmist links God’s radiant presence (“Your face”) with practical instruction (“teach me Your statutes”). • Guidance is personal before it is informational; statutes are learned best in the light of His favor. Positioning ourselves beneath His shining face • Daily communion – set apart unhurried time to read Scripture expectantly (Psalm 119:147). • Worship and gratitude – praise invites His presence (Psalm 22:3). • Confession – sin clouds the light; repentance restores clarity (1 John 1:9). Persistent prayer for understanding • Ask specifically for insight: “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) • Claim the promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5). • Pray Scripture back to God; make the psalmist’s requests your own (Psalm 25:4-5). Listening to the Spirit’s teaching ministry • Jesus promised, “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” (John 14:26) • Stay sensitive to His prompts—conviction, encouragement, fresh insights. • Yielded obedience keeps the communication line clear (Acts 5:32). Letting Scripture interpret Scripture • Compare passages; God’s Word harmonizes with itself (Isaiah 28:10). • Trace themes across books—law, grace, covenant—to capture the full counsel of God. • Use reliable cross-references and concordances, but let the text be final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Learning within Christ’s body • Sit under sound preaching and teaching (Ephesians 4:11-13). • Engage in group study; others’ gifts sharpen your understanding (Proverbs 27:17). • Test every insight against the written Word like the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). Practicing known truth to receive more light • “In keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:11) • Obedience turns knowledge into wisdom and invites deeper revelation (John 7:17). • Record and rehearse experiences of guidance; they build faith for future decisions. Walking forward with confidence • Trust the Lord wholeheartedly; acknowledge Him, and “He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Expect progressive clarity—“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.” (Proverbs 4:18) |
    |