Isaiah 48:17, 18  
This is what the Lord says— 
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 
“I am the LORD your God, 
who teaches you what is good for you 
and leads you along the paths you should follow. 
Oh, that you had listened to my commands! 
Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river 
and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.” (NLT)

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An interesting young woman told me yesterday about the book reviews she provides on Tik Tok. She has fifty thousand followers who listen to her insights and recommendations. We discussed some of our favorite authors and series. 

I recommended two books I love. One is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. This is simply one of the most beautiful novels ever written. Another book I frequently recommend is Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead. I think I have read this one three times so far. I will read it again with delight. 

Have you ever longed for a better life? For peace like a river? For a place of grace with people who bear the marks of God’s grace? God tells us here how to experience this kind of life. The timeless principle, the never-ending truth, is this: Obedience to God’s commands flowing from a deep and abiding relationship with him provides peace and righteousness. 

Alignment with God’s standards and attunement with his heart unlock the treasures of his grace, mercy, and kindness. Deeply satisfying lives proceed from knowing the heart and mind of God in sincere application and not merely knowing them as rules and regulations. 

Keeping endless rules in conscious awareness is a good pathway toward irritability and distraction. Living in the overflow of God’s goodness with a heart and mind fixed on his nature and provision shifts our perspective, reflects God’s radiance, and brings satisfaction to our souls. 

Our Savior and King teaches us what is good for us. He leads us along the paths we should follow. In this generosity is found peace and righteousness declaring that eternity is in session here in the daily details of ordinary lives shaped into extraordinary testimonies of God’s handiwork. 

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I will learn what is good for me from God and follow the pathway he has laid out for me.

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Our Father, teach me what is good. Empower me to live in your overflowing goodness. Enrich my life with your peace. Give me the right kind of right living that helps others see how good you are. Amen.