Do you ever see someone who is really good at something and think, ‘Teach me your ways’ or ‘Teach me how to do what you do so well’?

Those sentiments came out of my mouth as I played pickleball with my group of ladies. My friend, Marie, hit a deep slice angled with precision across the net, and I said, “Wow, friend! Teach me your ways.”

I had the same thought when I admired my friend, Valerie’s perfectly curled hair. I’ve been meaning to ask her how she curls it into impeccable spirals cascading down her back.

We may marvel at others’ approach to a life skill or their particular giftedness in an area and wish we knew their ways. But do we ruminate over God’s ways?

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4,5.

Often, our ways are all that we know and the only path forward we can see. We act according to our human way of thinking and what seems logical to us at that moment.

But God’s ways are far different from ours, and it’s why He tells us that His thoughts are not His thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8).

If we want to live in holy union with our Father, we must seek Him to learn His character and His precepts. We can’t muddle through messy life circumstances, continuing to rely on our own wisdom.

Often, it’s our own wisdom that has made our lives so chaotic.

King David knew that he needed guidance from God, and acknowledging that we want to be guided by Him is our first step. David goes on to say, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” (Psalm 25:9).

Studying His word is our primary source for Him to teach us His ways, but there are points to consider:

*We can’t learn from Him if we don’t know what His word says.

*We can’t make wise decisions if His counsel does not steer us.

*We won’t make lasting changes unless we humbly obey Him.

*He can’t teach us unless we’re actively listening.

Following His paths means making decisions based on biblical truth, not foolish worldly thinking or humanistic approaches.

Being guided by God means surrendering our whole heart to His words, wisdom, and ways, and walking in humble submission to our supreme Father, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Knowing His ways are far better than learning how to hit a mean pickleball slice or curling our hair into glamorous, flowing curls. Learning and leaning into Him leads us to the path of life and joy in His presence.

Lord, teach us Your ways so that we might gain your wisdom and understanding. Help us to humbly walk according to Your word and in sweet fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.