March 22, 2025 Devo

When I read this passage today, it reminded me of what Paul wrote as a challenge to the church in Ephesians 5:1. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Camp on this thought for a while. What is the primary responsibility of parenting? It is to teach our children what kind of people they are to BE. And how do children learn that? They watch and imitate. Ouch.
Ever hear words come out of your child’s mouth that you were embarrassed by—only to remember that they probably heard those words being spoken by YOU? Ever been upset because you see your child display an attitude of selfishness, ugliness, or rudeness? Hmm, wonder where they learned that? Children are sponges. They absorb what they see, hear, and experience. They are also mirrors. They reflect the images of those acting, speaking, and behaving in front of them. Yes, sometimes those reflections are of other kids or other adults. But often our children are simply following our lead. Which is why we have to be ever so careful.
David takes a childlike approach in this psalm by acknowledging that he needs to learn how to “be” from his Father, God. His prayer is from an understanding that we often copy the customs and attitudes of the world around us. But David wants a “higher” road, a more Godlike life. So he prays, “Show me your ways, Lord.” Wow. Can you imagine the impact on our lives if we truly prayed that prayer with an open and sincere heart?
Think about it. How different are the Lord’s ways from OUR ways? VERY different. Jesus gives us great insight into that as He talks to us about how God desires us to be. Remember some of those statements? “Turn the other cheek.” “Love your enemies.” “Go the extra mile.” “Bless those who persecute you.” “Forgive those you sin against you.” “Love one another as I have loved you.” THOSE are the ways of God. THAT is the kind of person God desires us to be.
I want to challenge you to make David’s prayer YOUR prayer this week. Spend enough time with God that you KNOW His ways and then imitate those ways wherever you go this week. Be a great reflection of YOUR Father this week. Make HIS ways YOUR ways! That’s God’s Word for you today.