Discovering God's ways

 

Knowing the Ways of God

Psalms 103,  

…v6The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 

v7He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. 

v8The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.…

Psalm 86

   Discovering God's ways often revolves around understanding God's character and His relationship with His people, as illustrated in Psalm 86. This Psalm is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing his deep trust in God and his desire to know God's ways. Here's an outline of the key themes based on Psalm 86, 

1. Seeking God's Mercy and Grace

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:1-3 (NIV): "Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long."

    David begins by appealing to God's mercy and grace, recognizing his own neediness and dependence on God. Acknowledging our need for God's mercy is the first step in discovering His ways.

2. Trusting in God's Goodness and Forgiveness

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:5 (NIV): "You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you."

    David highlights God's forgiving nature and His goodness. Trusting in God's inherent goodness and readiness to forgive is crucial for understanding His ways and experiencing His love.

3. Recognizing God's Uniqueness and Power

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:8-10 (NIV): "Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God."

    David acknowledges God's unparalleled greatness and power. Recognizing God's sovereignty and unique attributes helps believers to comprehend His ways more fully.

4. Learning from God's Teachings

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:11 (NIV): "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

    David expresses a desire to learn God's ways and to remain faithful. The importance of being teachable and seeking God's guidance to understand His will and follow His path.

5. Experiencing God's Love and Faithfulness

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:13 (NIV): "For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead."

    David reflects on God's great love and past deliverance. Experiencing and remembering God's love and faithfulness in our lives is essential for trusting His ways, even in difficult times.

6. Asking for God's Strength and Protection

Bible Verse:

• Psalm 86:16-17 (NIV): "Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me."

    David seeks God's strength and protection against his enemies.Relying on God's strength and seeking His protection are vital aspects of understanding and walking in His ways.

Conclusion

    This teaching on discovering God's ways, as illustrated in Psalm 86, revolves around several key themes: seeking God's mercy, trusting in His goodness, recognizing His power, learning from His teachings, experiencing His love, and relying on His strength. 

Each of these themes is supported by David's heartfelt prayer in Psalm 86, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to discover and follow God's ways in our lives.

A Study developed by Rev Rolando E Santiago MMin, DD, ThD, DPM