Psalm 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints–
but let them not return to folly.

This one verse contains a prayer of sorts, and then God’s direct answer. The Psalmist simply indicated a desire to hear what God had to say, and God complies. I have no trouble with that, because the reply that is recorded is very consistent with what we know of God through the whole Bible. That is, He delights to do good for His people, but His promises call for obedience. This verse points out something that we often forget: disobeying God is foolish. God’s rules are always for our good, so rebellion hurts us most of all. I am reminded of the current situation in the US. Many people are rightly reminding Christians of 2 Chronicles 7:14, which is a call to national repentance. America is certainly in need of that! However, as this verse reminds us, that is not to be just a momentary, one time thing. The history of Israel is a story of “returning to folly,” and we don’t need that. Our folly doesn’t erase God’s promises, but it sometimes puts us on the wrong side of them! This is true on a personal level as well as on the national level. (2 Peter 1:9) Many examples come to mind of people who repented, did fine for a while, and then went off on a tangent again. That benefits no one!

Of course I need to remember this in my own life, and as a pastor I need to help others understand it as well. My own life has certainly been peppered with foolish disobedience to God, so I should have a lot of empathy for others who are struggling! However, that doesn’t mean I can’t, or shouldn’t, point them firmly to what the Bible clearly indicates is God’s will. Most of us don’t go wrong in the things that the Bible isn’t specific about (like, what job should I take) so much as we ignore God in things the Bible is very clear about (like morality and seeking intimacy with God). It’s not unusual for people to come to me for advice on major decisions, when if they had a habit of seeking and obeying God on a daily basis, they’d have little hesitation. Again I am not to put them down, but I am to encourage them in living out their faith on a daily basis, so that it will grow to be the shield and guide that they know instinctively that they need.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the opportunities You’ve given me on this trip to share Christ, just as I asked. I ask for continued guidance and anointing throughout today’s activities, that I may be consistent in pointing people to You not only by my words, but by all I am, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!