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Throughout the Bible, God promises over and over again to guide his people if they will obey him. But oftentimes we can behave like stubborn mules (v. 9), resisting his lead and bringing trouble upon ourselves. Yet even when we make poor decisions, God's unfailing love surrounds us (v. 10), and he can take our "second best" choices and conform them to his "first best" plan if we will repent, trust, and obey him.

Key Study Passage:

Psalm 32:8-11

1. In what situations are you most prone to behave like a mule, resisting God's leading?
2. What are some potential consequences of disobedience and some benefits of obedience in the situations from no. 1?
3. How might remembering God's unfailing love help you to obey him more consistently?
4. Think of some times when you made a hard decision to obey God despite your feelings. How did God reward your obedience?
5. What are some ways you can cultivate an attitude of obedience?

Spend Time in Prayer: Ask God to help you follow his path for your life; repent of any poor decisions for which you are reaping the consequences; thank him that even when you are faithless, he is faithful.

Psalm 32:8-11

8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to learn from my bad decisions and to trust that if I repent, you are faithful to bring something good out of even my poorest choices (Rom. 8:28).

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