The Lord Teaches You for Your Own Good
Scripture — Isaiah 48:17 (NRSV)
Thus says the LORD,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you for your own good,
who leads you in the way you should go.
Focus
God teaches us to do what is best . . . what is best for God and what is best for us. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t seem like God’s ways are the best, especially when they contradict the norms and expectations of our culture. Nevertheless, we are wise to attend to God’s teaching so that we might live the best possible life.
Devotion
Wouldn’t you like to live the best possible life? Wouldn’t you like to experience all that life offers? Wouldn’t you like to use your gifts to make a genuine contribution to this world?
According to Isaiah 48:17, God teaches us what is best for us. God directs us in the way we should go to experience the best possible life. When we walk in God’s ways, God’s work is done through us, not just in our “religious activities,” but in all we do. God is honored and glorified through our obedience and the fruit of our labors.
But when God teaches us and when we follow God’s instruction, we benefit as well. In Isaiah 48:17, God says, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go.” Literally, the Hebrew reads, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit [ya‘al in Hebrew].” A similar thought, and use of the Hebrew verb, is found in Proverbs 11:4: “Riches do not profit [ya‘al] in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Thus, we obey God’s instructions, not only because it’s right to do so, and not only because our obedience glorifies God, but also because in so doing we discover what is best for us. To put it bluntly, when we are taught by God and walk in God’s ways, we profit. Our efforts are fruitful. Our work makes a difference that matters.
Throughout history, and especially in our day, the ways of God do not often match the ways of the world. When it comes to matters of humility, sexuality, worship, generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, leadership, the dignity of all people, reconciliation, and so much more, God teaches us to live in counter-cultural ways. Yet, no matter what the world says, God’s ways are best—best for the world, best for us, best for God. Thus, we are encouraged to obey even and especially when our obedience contradicts popular wisdom.
Reflect
As you think of your life, when has following God’s ways brought blessing to you?
Where do you find it hard to do what God says rather than what the world says?
In what ways is God teaching you and directing you in your daily work?
How might you be more open to God’s teaching and guidance today?
Act
Talk with your small group or a wise friend about the challenges of following God’s ways when they are contrary to our culture.
Pray
Gracious God, thank you for teaching me what is best for me. Left to my own devices, I quickly mess up my life. But when I seek you, when I shape my life according to your Word, when I heed the quiet whisper of your Spirit, when I listen to your voice through my brothers and sisters, then I live in the best possible way. Thank you!
Help me, dear Lord, to pay even closer attention to your teaching. May your words echo in my mind and conscience. In every part of life, may I choose to do what honors you, knowing that living for your glory is the very best life there is. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: A Trustworthy Worker is Faithful to His or Her Fiduciary Responsibilities (Proverbs).
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...