“So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels. Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!” (Psalm 81:12-13)

The people walk in the counsel of their hearts. What do they know? When they listen only to themselves, from their own limited view of things, what can they understand? Do not listen just to your heart, but to the Lord who knows all things. Come to the One who created you and know the freedom that comes from knowing that you are in His hands. Walk in His ways and live.

Lord, I do trust myself even though I know that I am untrustworthy. I listen all too often to my own counsel even though I know that it is not good. Help me not live by the wickedness that is in my heart, but by the truth that You have spoken for all ages. Guide me in the truth of Your Word and help me to live by Your Word, first and foremost. Lead me, O Lord, in the way I should go.

Lord Jesus, You have the words of eternal life. To whom else should we go? Lead me out of my fickle heart which does not understand and is prideful and into the truth which You have revealed for all people. Help me now and always to live according to Your never-changing word that I may abide in You as You abide in me, doing what is pleasing in the Father’s sight. Lead me today, Lord Jesus. Amen.

“I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12)

Look to the Lord and see all that He has done. He who fashioned the heavens and the earth and filled them with all things also watches over you and all that He has created. Look to the Lord and know that in Him is light and life. Meaning is found in the Lord, for apart from Him is nothingness. Be guided by the Lord and know that He will bring you to be where He is.

Lord, I get caught up in all of the things life throws my way and do not see clearly that it is Your hand that sustains all things. Lead me, O Lord, to humbly walk with You that I may see that it is You who causes all things to be what and where they are. Clear my mind that I may learn to meditate upon all that You have said. Bring to remembrance Your Word that I may see Your message more clearly each day.

Christ the Savior, You are the message for all who meditate and turn to truth. You have come, for You alone know the way. Only You who has descended can ascend to heaven. Lead me to follow You all the days of my life knowing that You alone have the words of eternal life. Grant that I may boldly hold fast to You, the way, the truth and the life and not waiver, stumble nor fall away. Amen.