Psalm 143:10, "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

This verse spoke to my heart today as David's two desires and observations about the Lord encouraged me. May we note David's desires and his observations about the Lord.

First, note David's two desires:

1. He desired to be taught to do God's will. There is a difference in knowing God's will and doing God's will. I know many believers who know God's will but they aren't doing His will. James writes to be "...doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. If we aren't careful, we will think that knowing God's will is enough when it is not. Knowing and doing God's will is what we must do.

2. David's other desire was to be led into the land of uprightness. There are differing opinions about what David meant by this. Some believe he was asking the Spirit to lead him out of the places that were difficult to navigate. There was a time in David's life when he was running from Saul and he lived among the rocks, caves and in the wilderness. Maybe he was looking for an even place (upright) that brought safety and convenience. However, I would also like to think David was concerned about finding a place where the people who lived there were upright in character. It is much easier and enjoyable to live in an environment where you are surrounded by good people.

Next, may we notice David's two observations about God:

1. He observed that Jehovah is his God. We all allow someone or something to become the focus of our life. Jehovah is my God; therefore, I will worship Him, I will praise Him, I will obey Him, I will serve Him, I will witness of Him, I will sacrifice for Him etc.... Have you given the Lord preeminence in your life?

2. He observed the goodness of the Holy Spirit. He spoke of the goodness of God's spirit which must be the Holy Spirit. As we all know the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is of the same nature and essence with the Father and Son, with God, who is only good; and effectively is the author of the good work that takes place in the heart of the believer. In David's case the Spirit came upon him to empower him for service and was the one who guided him through life. May we know the goodness of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower us and direct us into the paths of righteous for His Names' sake.

May we all have a great day following the Lord.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

Ponder & Meditate

1. How well are you at doing the will of God? Where can you improve?

2. What could you do to help the people around you?

3. Are you loving God as you should? Is He preeminent? How do you worship and serve Him?

4. What must you do to be led by the Holy Spirit? What is involved in the Spirit empowering you for service?