Godliness #5—Reconciled Godliness

I want to hear! What will the deity I AM speak when he speaks? He will speak peace to his people—his godly ones—so they do not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:8–9

In the midst of stressful lives, godly people need to hear words from God that encourage godly living—behavior that accords with his mandate that we continue to do what is good in a way that honors him. Therefore, we must listen carefully to what he says when he does speak to us. We will be encouraged when we hear his reminder that his deliverance is near us. Because he is the One who has the final say in all that pertains to our lives, we need fear no one else, for he alone has the power of life and death. We would be wise to listen to this One who has such power because he also promises us reconciliation and the ability to abandon our self-centered approach to life. Fortunately, God does not expect perfection from us immediately. So he keeps working in us to overcome our lapses in faith and to turn us away from the foolishness of self-sufficiency and self-exaltation. And he continues to remind us of the cross, the resurrection, and the Holy Spirit, so we will listen to his instructions, call upon him in the day of trouble, and appreciate how glorious he is as he delivers us.

Patient Lord, open my ears to the reconciliation you offer your people. Deliver me from foolish choices today; keep me following your wise way in every aspect of my life. Manifest your glory through me in every way.