Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

This Psalm has several dearly loved verses. I am especially fond of verse 7, with its mention of “songs of deliverance.” However, that is a confession by David of his faith in God, and here and in the next verse we have God’s response. As I noted recently, it’s not unusual in David’s Psalms for there to be a sudden change in speaker, where God directly answers what David is saying, and David recorded it. We need to have the expectation of that sort of thing when we pray, but we seldom do. After all, speaking God’s words for Him is what prophecy is all about, and under the New Covenant, all of God’s children are enabled to do it, whether they have the office of Prophet in the Body or not. Some people find the idea of prophecy scary, but that shows they don’t have a clear understanding of their heavenly Father. Where the NIV in this verse says “instruct you,” the Japanese says, “give you satori,” that is, deep understanding. The Buddhists don’t have exclusive rights to that term! God constantly desires to teach us, grow us, give us understanding. We need to believe and trust Him for that and always keep our ears open to Him, even when He wants to speak to us through our own mouth.

I couldn’t begin to count how many times God has spoken through me, and even to me through my own words, and I am deeply grateful. As a pastor, I deeply desire that each of the church members have that experience as well. We all have a problem with self-image. On the one hand we think we can go it alone without God, and on the other hand we think we are too weak and sinful for God to use us. Both of those are completely false! I have been used in spite of my flaws, and I have been blessed by God through others in spite of their flaws. I don’t want people putting me on a pedestal because “I’m close to God,” but at the same time I do want them to be willing to hear God through me. That’s why I’m so pleased when people really take up this SOAP method of devotions, because it teaches them that God speaks to them, too, and that is an assurance every believer needs.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for how healing is progressing for both Cathy and me. There is a lot to be done in the 10 days before Easter, and there is a real temptation to panic. Help Cathy and me do what we can do when we can do it and not be anxious about anything else. May this Easter season be a time of drawing many to our risen Lord, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!