Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. O God, the insolent rise up against me; a band of ruffians seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant; save the child of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. ~ Psalm 86:11-17
Who teaches you God's ways?
It's a fair question. How do we know what God's ways are? Where do we turn to find out?
I see all kinds of "God experts" on social media claiming to know God's ways.
Who taught them?
Is social media the place where we should turn to learn God's ways?
What are the things in your life that teach you those ways? Who are the people who do so?
Scripture is certainly a good place to start. The times and places that I've learned most about God's ways were in my Seminary classes with trusted professors, and in Bible Study groups. Although I lead Bible Studies, I often learn as much from the group itself as I'm sure they do from me.
We all learn together as we share how we encounter God's word.
Learning together is a great way to start to understand God's ways. Leaning just into your own understanding will mean not only that you miss so much, but also that your understanding might miss the mark.
While it is certainly fine to read scripture on your own, that isn't perhaps the best way to learn. I encourage you to join a Bible Study, or take an adult class or forum and see how God's ways can be more richly opened to you.
Help me to lean not on my own understanding, but to join with the trusted people in my life so that we can learn your ways together. Amen
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