Teach Me to Do Thy Will
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (Psalm 143:10, KJV)
Imagine a Teacher who not only shows you what to do but gives you the strength and desire to do it.
That’s exactly how God teaches. When the psalmist prayed, “Teach me to do thy will,” he wasn’t asking for a typical lesson but for something transformative. He longed for divine instruction that would shape not only his understanding but his heart and actions. If you’ve ever struggled to align your heart with God’s will, this devotional will show you how the Spirit of God makes obedience possible, joyful, and fulfilling.
The word “teach” in this verse holds a profound meaning. It goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge or skills. To teach, in the biblical sense, involves imparting the heart and capacity to act. God’s teaching isn’t limited to information; it is about transformation.
Consider David’s declaration in Psalm 18:34: “He teacheth my hands to war.” David wasn’t trained through lectures or traditional military methods. Instead, God empowered him directly, equipping him with the strength, skill, and insight for battle. Similarly, when we ask God to teach us His will, we are seeking not just knowledge but also the willingness and strength to follow Him.
Human teaching has its limits. It can inform the mind and train the hands, but it cannot change the heart. God’s teaching, however, goes deeper. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God supplies the understanding, the desire, and the strength to obey Him.
What makes this possible is the Holy Spirit. Psalm 143:10 highlights, “Thy Spirit is good,” connecting God’s teaching to the work of His Spirit. In John 14:26, Jesus reveals that the Holy Spirit is our Teacher, sent to guide us into all truth. This instruction is not merely intellectual; it is a life-giving, transformative work. The Spirit teaches us by aligning our hearts with God’s will, equipping us to walk in righteousness and faithfulness.
When we allow God to teach us, we are changed. Our resistance becomes willingness, our fear transforms into courage, and our weakness is replaced by His strength. This divine teaching leads us to the “land of uprightness,” where our lives reflect His righteousness and glory.
Meditate
How does God’s teaching differ from human teaching? Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping your heart and empowering you to do God’s will.
Act on the Word
Surrender to God’s teaching today. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His will, grant you the desire to obey, and provide the strength to follow through. Write down one specific area where you need His guidance and trust Him to lead you.
Pray
Father, teach me to do Your will. Fill me with Your Spirit and transform my heart to follow You in obedience and joy.
Recommended Read
- The Holy Spirit as Your Teacher
- The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Knowledge
- The Mystery of Spiritual Knowledge
- He Teacheth My Hands to War
- What it means to learn Christ
- All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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