Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

“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
 
When I was young I loved to build models – airplanes, ships, and cars.  Often I became impatient while trying to follow the instructions and did it my own way;  I was in a hurry to get the model finished so I could play with it.  The problem was that the model never looked as good as the picture on the package, and I frequently had parts left over.  The finished product was never as satisfying as I had hoped it would be – it not only didn’t look right, it usually didn’t work right either.

Over the years I found that my walk with the Lord seemed to follow that same old pattern of impatience, frustration and lacking in satisfaction.  I wanted the blessing without being obedient to the instructions.  I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has ever experienced this.  Simple observation has shown me it is a pretty common problem.  I suspect this could have something to do with the sin nature we all have to struggle with.

Speaking only for myself, I’ve come to understand that when I’m obedient to GOD’s will and way, blessings follow.  However, expecting a blessing to lead to obedience doesn’t always work.

Psalm 32:8 makes a promise, and the Lord never breaks a promise.  The counsel I receive from Him through His Word teaches me the way I should go.  The “peace that passes understanding” follows close behind when I follow the instructions.
​
Pastor Bill