The Secret
We all like to know secrets. It gives us a sense of belonging, of being part of a select group. Today, I was reading Psalm 25. Verse 14 sparked this post. “The secret (also translated: counsel) of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.”
I’ve often been asked, “How do I know God’s will for my life?” The answer comes from today’s verse above. It starts with us having a “fear of the Lord.” This is not telling us to be afraid of Him. This sense of fear means awe, reverence, respect, obedience. It draws us to Him. It doesn’t make us run from Him. A corollary verse is in Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Step one is to make sure
we have a right relationship with God. That comes from trusting His Son, Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus said, “…the one who comes to me, I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37).
The second step in growing our fear of the Lord,
requires us to spend time in God’s word each day. Psalm 119:38 says, “Establish Your word to Your servant as that which produces reverence [one aspect of fear] for You.” Reading and studying the word causes us to know God’s heart, God’s character, and God’s integrity (He cannot lie. Tit. 1:2).
The next step is to solidify the first two: grow our faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” If we’re a) in a right relationship with God and, b) spending time in His word, we can’t help but become stronger in our faith.
Think of God like a master computer programmer writing “if/then” instructions. IF a certain sequence is followed, THEN a certain result is obtained. In today’s verse, the “if” is on us, the “then” on Him. If we fear Him, [then] He will make known His covenant (will). As you read and study your Bible, you’ll find most of God’s promises are in the form of if/then statements. We just have to decide if the “if” is worth the “then”. It always is. God is always faithful to His promises.
Two of God’s if/then promise statements
are foundational building blocks of our faith. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [then] you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).“If we confess our sins,[then] He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Our opening statement talks about a secret. And it is for only a select few who are on the narrow path (Matt. 7:14). But the select few includes all who have turned to Jesus as Savior and friend. Jesus said, “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6).
Here’s another promise we can take to the bank.
Once we have our “fear of the Lord” in place and we’re in the word daily to grow our reverence for Him, He will make known His covenant to us. What exactly is that? It involves everything God has to offer and is summed up in this promise, “…I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Heb.13:5).
If you’re reading this and you don’t know the God who fulfills His promises when we meet the “if” side of the deal, click here Steps To Salvation and read through the Steps To Salvation section.
Thanks for reading.