“I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel;
yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Psalm 16:7-8 AMP
“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way
you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
Psalm 32:8 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Counsel, advice, instruction…something we all need at times. David, the author of these passages, “found the secret of contentment and great gladness even in pressing times; and also speaks powerfully of Jesus and His work for us.”[i] Yet he found value in seeking the Lord’s counsel and then following it. Yet, he also knew the pain that came when he ignored God’s wise counsel and the long-lasting consequences that followed.
David sought the Lord through spending time in prayer and reading Scripture. David took the Word of God seriously, looking for instruction in how to live. He trusted God to direct his path and correct him when he sinned. David set his heart to seek gracious counsel from the Lord whom he trusted because the shepherd turned king knew that God’s eye was upon him.
A Touch of Grace:
Where do you turn for counsel?
How do you respond to the counsel you receive?
What does it mean that God’s eye is upon you?
Grace Application:
Counsel, advice, instruction… what do you think of when you hear these words? Do you shudder, roll your eyes, or wonder if there’s any value in them? Where do you turn when you need counsel? A trusted friend, social media, or do you rely on your own wisdom? Where do you go when life is spinning out of control, and your world is turning upside down?
After muddling my way through life with my own misguided wisdom, I learned that the safest place to seek instruction is in God’s Word. I’ve gone to many places seeking guidance, but the wisest counsel is always based on the truth found in God’s Word. From Jesus’s example, I’ve learned that taking time to be alone with God, drawing on His words of wisdom to direct my thoughts gives me clarity and strength. I’ve also learned the value of seeking godly counsel with others who love the Lord and His Word.
Many wise people have taught me how the Lord counsels us through His Word. For example, the Bible teaches us who Jesus is (John 1), how He desires us to live (Micah 6:8), how we are to treat others (Deuteronomy 10:12), the benefit of trusting Him (Proverbs 3:5-8), the consequence of sin (Romans 1:18-32), the freedom found through confessing sin, (Psalm 32:5; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:9), how we are saved from the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8), the power of grace (2 Corinthians 12:9), how to live with hope (Hebrews 6:19), the joy that’s found even in suffering (James 1:2-4), what waits for us in our heavenly home (1 Peter 1:4), and so much more!
Seeking counsel in God’s Word by reading, studying, and meditating on it, doesn’t mean we won’t suffer or face trials. Nope, as a matter of fact, like David (and Jesus), we will endure hardship, pain, sorrow, and grief. How we respond to life’s circumstances depends on where we turn for counsel and instruction. God is faithful to give gracious counsel when we seek Him. So, where will you turn when you need words of wisdom?
Gracious Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ thankful for Your counsel. Your Word gives wise counsel and will instruct my thoughts when I set You first in my heart. Forgive me when I chose to follow the counsel of my own heart and wander away from You. Thank You for having Your eye on me and correcting me when I sin. Holy Spirit, guide me with Your words of wisdom and give me a teachable heart that receives Your gracious counsel. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Psa/Psa-16.cfm?a=494007