God’s Word and Our Way
We are creatures of habit. While the levels of habitual behavior vary from person to person, all of us tend to do many things the same way. For some, it’s a daily routine, for others, it’s their favorite chair; some like to travel the same roads, and others like to eat their food a certain way. Scientist have long studied the cause of our habits. Yet, despite decades of research, all they can determine is what most of us have known: our desires lead us to actions and we tend to repeat the actions that bring enjoyment. We all have certain ways in life.
“Ways” in Scripture
The Bible often refers to our actions, habits, and patterns of life as “ways” or “paths.” Scripture is full of such pictures for both the positive and the negative. For example:
- “…the way of sinners…” (Psalm 1:1, James 5:20)
- “…the way of the wicked…” (Proverbs 12:26)
- “…the way of the ungodly…” (Psalm 1:6)
- “…the way of the slothful...” (Proverbs 15:19)
- “…the way of the righteous…” (Psalm 1:6)
- “…the way of the LORD…” (Jeremiah 5:4-5)
- “…the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous…” (Proverbs 2:20)
- “…the way of understanding…” (Proverbs 21:16)
- “…the way of peace…” (Luke 1:79, cf. Romans 3:17)
- “…the way of the just…” (Isaiah 26:7)
- “…the way of transgressors…” (Proverbs 13:15)
One of the clearest and most direct passages in Scripture is Proverbs 4. I encourage you to read it. Reflect on the areas of life that are under the guidance of God. Ask Him to search your heart by His Word. This chapter deals thoroughly with the inseparable link between our hearts and our habits, our minds and our motives, our attitudes and our actions. Verse 23 is well-known: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The phrase “out of it are the issues of life” signifies that everything grows out of what happens in the heart. They are connected.
Proverbs 4 directs our thinking. It instructs us about the various directions our lives can go. Different choices are made, various paths are followed, and companions are chosen – all of that grows out of our hearts. Therefore, we must “keep” it. We must guard, protect, and tend to it. Just as a farmer tends to a garden by removing the weeds and watering the soil, so our hearts must be stripped of all that is impure and watered by the Word of God. As we live in obedience to God’s Word, we become vessels through whom He can work (2 Timothy 2:21).
To walk in His way, we must find the guidance and nourishment of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2). Our desires must be purified by His Word. Our will must be yielded to Him. We need Scripture to direct our ways. We need His Word to govern our hearts and minds.
Adrian Rogers said of this passage that “a God-controlled thought life will govern your speech, guard your sight, and guide your steps.” If we want Him to guide us each day, we must read, study, and obey the Bible (James 1:21-25).
Several helpful resources for your Bible journey this year:
- The Journey Through Scripture Bible Reading Plan (CLICK HERE for the interactive edition or CLICK HERE to print).
- Support the ministry and receive all of our Bible study guides in one click – HERE.
- Search the Scriptures Series
- Click HERE to watch Scott’s full lectures on how to read, study, pray, and teach the Bible. You will also find free slides and handouts to teach the same material to your church or small group.
- The Enjoying the Journey Broadcast
- Join Scott Pauley each day for 10 minutes as he teaches through passages and themes in God’s Word.
- Use one of the Enjoying the Journey Bible App plans.
These and many other resources are available free to you at enjoyingthejourney.org/resources.
