SOAP 11/03/2015; Psalm 85:8

Today's reading: Job 25; Mark 13, 14*

S) "⁸ I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly."

Psalm 85:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 85

O) Context clues show us that this song was written after the exile, and very likely after the remnant returned to Jerusalem. It opens by praising God for forgiveness and restoring His people from their captivity. But, then there is still a request that God would turn from His anger, and revive His people, and grant them salvation. So, when we get to the verse above, what we see is a reference to a recurring theme throughout the Bible. God would save His people, but they would return to their folly. In this verse, the writer is showing us that it's not enough to hear what God says, or even to receive promises, if there is a return to disobedient folly.

A) This same kind of warning is echoed in James 1:22-24. I study the Word of God nearly every day. I love to hear what God the LORD will say, and of course I love to read about His peace to His people, but if I am returning to my own folly, then what benefit have I found for myself? I must not only hear what God will say, but I must submit to God as my Lord, to His Word as authoritative, and obediently follow Him instead of turning back to my own folly.

P) Father, Your words are life to me. I don't just want to know Your words, though. I need Your Word to change me, God. Help me to continue following You. Help me humble myself before Your instruction, and discipline me as a good father disciplines his son. As much as I am immersing myself in the Bible every day, let it continue to change me and bear fruit in my life. I don't want to be only a hearer of Your words, and someone eager to know promises. I want to have the wisdom to follow Your words, obediently conforming my behavior to Your will. Have Your way with me, LORD God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.