Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17

17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer;

I’ve read this verse more than a few times, even quoted it to myself and others - not impressive, it’s very short.  But, at the time, I was trying to convey the importance of prayer in the Christian life.  In 1 Timothy, there is a call to prayer to call upon God not only for personal issues but for the good of all.

1 Timothy 2:8

8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].

Prayer is very important in our walk with God. He requires it of us in order to stay close to him.  However, for a while, I did not know how to pray, what to ask for and what not to ask for.  There are no real regulations that tell us what we should pray for.  The rest of the passage in 1 Thessalonians shines some light on the subject.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Firstly, we should rejoice in our faith and be thankful for what God has done for us continually.  As a human, I have a hard time remembering to be thankful every time I pray.  I pray in times of sadness, times of distress, but I found that I had rarely prayed in good times.  I have thanked God for what I have, but the ratio of how much I ask for me and how much I thank and praise God is embarrassing and quite shameful.  We need to remember to rejoice in our faith at all times and continually be thankful for what God has done for us because “this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”  

But, prayer can be, as it many times is, praying for some kind of assistance with things that are hurting us in some way.  Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in what I need or what is going on in my life that my prayers become a repetitious plea for help.  The bible speaks on this.   

Philippians 4:6

6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

In this verse, we find that we need to be careful about being too worried, but approach God with thanksgiving - again the emphasis on being thankful when we approach God.  He is faithful and can reward us and grant our prayers if he chooses.  I sometimes lose faith in what I prayed because I want it to happen faster or I doubt I’m even worthy of the help that I ask for.  However, God is greater than that.

Matthew 7:11

11 If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.

Comparing God’s nature to ours is an eye-opener.  We will dote on our children and give them everything we can.  I, specifically, will give my kids anything they need or want that is in my power to give.  Applying that to the mind of God, he is more powerful than anyone can even imagine - he knows how to give.  

He won’t give us everything, though.  We have to be sure that we are in the will of God and very importantly, seeking God’s will

James 4:3

3 You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [d]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.

I have asked God for something that I just wanted and wouldn’t improve my life or help me grow closer to him.  I didn’t get it.  We have to have the will of God in mind when we pray and not pray for things that we will use selfishly.  The Amplified text adds “hedonistic.”  It can be defined as the pursuit of pleasure and sensually self-indulgent.  

1 John 5:14-15

14 This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that [c]if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. 15 And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.

If we come before him focused on things that are according to his plan, this passage tells us that we are heard.  The next verse sticks in my mind.  If we know for a fact, or in my mind believe and have faith that what I ask for will be granted, I can rest in the knowledge that I will receive.  I spend a great deal of time praying for things that I don’t believe deep down will be given to me.  I have to know without a doubt that, if I am I accordance with his will, I will be taken care of.  Faith is more than just hope, it's an active hope with the expectancy of relief.

Romans 8:24-27

24 For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.

26 In the same way, the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of [c]God’s people in accordance with God’s will.

In our faith or our hope, we are saved.  However, hope in things that are seen is not hope, because we should not hope for things that we already have.  But if we hope for things that we do not see, we wait eagerly and with patience.   Verse 26 says that the Spirit helps us.  We don’t really even know how to pray or what to pray for but he intercedes for us, speaking to God in ways that are too deep for words.  We pray the way he tells us to, in accordance to his will, and the spirit will intercede for us.  The bible tells us that the spirit is our guide and will teach us the will of God, helping us to stay in his favor and receive his blessings.

Ephesians 6:18

18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [e]God’s people.

Therefore, we should pray at all times, again in the spirit.  Just like the call to prayer in Timothy, we are told to pray for God’s people.  In other passages, we learn that we are to seek the good of others above ourselves and this attitude spills over into prayer.  We are to pray for God’s people, all people and those that we call our enemies.  Prayer is powerful.  Prayer changes things.  There are studies that show the scientific effect of prayer.  There was an experiment completed that showed increased performance on the Stroop Test (a test that mismatches colors with their written name, for instance the word “green” written in red) by those that prayed over those that simply thought about a situation.

“Participants who were asked to pray about a topic of their choosing for five minutes showed significantly better performance on the stroop task after emotion suppression, compared to participants who were simply asked to think about a topic of their choosing. And this effect held regardless of whether participants identified as religious (70 percent) or not.”

Prayer for only 5 min showed good results compared to those that didn’t pray.  And what’s even more mind-boggling is that even those that didn’t believe had good results as well.

Another study found that “Prayer has been reported to improve outcomes in human as well as nonhuman species, to have no effect on outcomes, to worsen outcomes and to have retrospective healing effects.”

Prayer has been reported to both improve outcomes and have no effect.  To worsen outcomes but have retrospective healing properties.  This shows to me, that God will answer prayers in his own time and if it is in his will.  Others may have their wishes granted, but I need to wait patiently as the bible says.  Be persistent in my petitions.  Like the parable of the woman that asked the judge repeatedly for help and was only given help after constant petition.  I don’t think that this is to say God will begrudgingly help us, but that we need have continued faith that we will be heard.  Continued, intense faith that God hears you and will decide in your best interests or even the interests of others.  Jesus displayed this near the end of his life on earth.  

Matthew 14:23

23 After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.

This is just one example of a record of Jesus praying.  His prayer isn’t shared, but after he was finished, Jesus walked on water to the boat where his disciples were waiting.  However, in Matthew 26:39, the prayer recorded is heart-wrenching.

Matthew 26:39

39 And after going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup [q]pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:42

“My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

After these two prayers, he went back a third time and prayed the same prayer.  This shows me that Jesus, himself - the son of God- prayed for a reprieve.  He had known his whole life that his purpose on earth was to teach and then die for the sins of humanity.  Yet, he prayed for a different path, believing that his father could hear him and change his mind, but Jesus also acknowledged that he would yield to God’s will. This passage is a shining example of the power of prayer in that the son of God knew his purpose and prayed anyway.  It shows that we can go to God with our fears and worries and accept that it would be granted if it is in his will.  We need to realize a very important thing about prayer which is shown in this passage - God can say no.  However, there are examples of prayer working in favor of the servant as well.  Jesus prayed before raising Lazarus from the dead.

John 11:38-44

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes [toward heaven] and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me and listen to Me; but I have said this because of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You have sent Me [and that You have made Me Your representative].”

It hits me hard that he says that God ALWAYS hears him and ALWAYS listen to him.  The prayer was for the benefit of others.  Jesus knew without a doubt that he could be heard.  We might think that was only possible for Jesus and that is a true statement.  Christians can’t usually raise people from the dead.  But, as some of the verses state above, if we live in the will of God, we can approach the throne with not only the faith but the actual expectation that you will be heard.

These commands to pray, examples of Jesus praying, and the scientific evidence that prayer can work all make me realize one important thing.  Prayer can change things.

Righteousness

Matthew 6:31-33 (AMP)

³¹ Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ ³² For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

The beginning of this passage is key to remember. We are not to be perpetually uneasy or distracted by things we need or want. We are not to let worries such as these take our eyes off of God. But we are, as the passage later says, to seek first God’s righteousness, further explained as “His way of doing and being right.” We often focus on repentance and baptism, but I’ve not focused much on the directive to be righteous. After further study, I see that the act of being right with God is more important than I’d ever thought.

Proverbs 21:3 (AMP)

To do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed].

A righteous life is more acceptable than things done to show we’re sorry for doing wrong according to Proverbs. I don’t think this is to say sacrifice or repentance wasn’t or isn’t important, but to say that the act of living right is more pleasing to God. I like the addition of “for wrongs repeatedly committed” because it shows me that I will fall but I can still try to live right and that is meaningful to God. A key phrase to take away, for me, was “to do righteousness,” showing that righteousness isn’t an inherent trait but something that must be worked at and practiced.

Ezekiel 18:22 (AMP)

²¹ “But if the wicked man turns [away] from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall certainly live; he shall not die. ²² All of his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced [for his moral and spiritual integrity in every area and relationship], he will live.

If a man turns from evil ways and practices justice and righteousness along with keeping statutes, he will live. His sins will not be remembered against him because of righteousness that he practices. There is no mention here of simply just being righteous, but the idea that righteousness has to be practiced is reinforced. Turning away from sin added to the act of righteousness leads to our sins being forgiven, not simply repentance. In 1 John 2:29, he says that those that do practice righteousness are of God. We should focus on being righteous more than we may believe.

What is righteousness? In the Webster’s dictionary, Righteous is defined as “acting in accordance with divine or moral law.” To be righteous, we have to follow God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings. To me, saying “follow God’s commands” is different than saying to practice that act. Meaning that we have to try every moment to be righteous in every way.

Romans 6:16 (AMP)

¹⁶ Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)?

We will be either slaves to sin or slaves to obedience to God and His Word. Not just trying to do his will, but an actual slave to obeying him. This type of obedience will lead to righteousness, the type of obedience that is compared, here, to slavery. The type that requires more dedication to following the scriptures than I had even thought about. I grew up in Church and I can honestly say that I’ve never felt like an actual slave to obedience. The picture I get in my head is of a friend of mine that seems to actually hurt when something against God happens. At times, I think her reaction to things that happen is pretty funny because it seems so naive. However, I think that our dedication should be on a similar level.

2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];

We learn to be righteous from the scriptures along with being corrected and convicting of sin. God’s word is our guide to learning to live in God’s will.

On the way to Golgotha

Luke 9:23 (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

When I was young, I read my Bible in the NIV translation because it was easier for me to understand than the KJV that I originally learned to read on.  I never really thought about what this verse meant until I read it again yesterday.  I originally learned that to follow (didn’t understand what it meant to follow) my Lord, I must deny myself would be to stay out of sins that I wanted to commit and take on my own burdens on my back and follow Christ.  However, after further study, I learned a slightly different lesson.  The amplified version adds text that defines he concepts that are presented in the scriptures that I learned from commentaries and research.

Luke 9:23 (AMP)
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

Discipleship
The first point that I’d like to address is the idea that we need to be disciples.  Miriam-Webster defines disciple as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.”  I originally had the idea that following Christ was to adhere to his teachings and love one another, which is part of discipleship.  However, by definition, we are to not only accept the teachings that Jesus preached about how we should behave, but we should spread the Gospel as a part of following him.

Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded the disciples to go out in to the world, teach and baptize in the name of the Father.  In this way, we are to create more disciples by adding to the baptism teaching those disciples to observe Christ’s commands. 

Ephesians 5:1-2(AMP)
5 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

What we teach is the Gospel, the love of God powerful enough to make the creator himself send his only son to die.  We are to try to continually walk in love, “unselfishly seeking the best for others.”  I’ve written about this before, but I don’t remember fully paying attention to the part “practice empathy and compassion.”  What struck me is the command to actually put forth the effort to practice empathy and compassion daily.

Deny Yourself
To be a disciple, one must deny himself.  He must set aside selfish interest and focus on God.  Jesus told a rich man the way to salvation and told him to sell all of his possessions and walked away sad.  Jesus wanted him to give up the things he loved the most because his love for Christ should be strong, but he was unable.  For some of us, like him, our sin is hard to get away from.  Some of the things we love the most are sinful.  Even to put things that aren’t sinful above our love for God is sinful.  However, on that cross with Christ was our sin also.

Galatians 5:24(AMP)
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the [a]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

We crucified our sinful nature with Christ when we turned to him.  The things we wanted and the passions that drove us that were sinful were nailed to the cross with Jesus.

Galatians 5:20(AMP)
20 I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

We no longer life, but Christ through us.  In this way, we are to rely on and completely trust in Jesus.  He gave himself up for us and established the new covenant allowing for our salvation.

Bear the Cross
As disciples we are to take up our cross and follow.  I’ve heard many people use the phrase “this is my cross to bear” when referring to a problem or affliction.  However, in the text, the amplified adds “expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come.”  Saying that it is not one struggle, but all struggles that may come while in service to Christ.  Troubles will definitely come, but we are to endure.

James 1:2-3(AMP)
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [a]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].

The Bible talks about struggles all over its pages.  Suffering is not new to the Christian.  The testing of our faith during our “various trials” will produce endurance “leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace.”  It is through our experiences while serving Christ that leads us to spiritual maturity and gives us the endurance to get there. 

Romans 5:3-5 (AMP)
3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Both this passage and the one above tell us to count our suffering as Joy because we know the beneficial fruit it produces, such as endurance and spiritual maturity.  The term “it puts hair on your chest” comes to mind with this topic.  Enduring through struggles makes one wise and gives us hope in God.

James 1:4(AMP)
4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Endurance will give us enough wisdom to be completely developed in our faith.  Going through our struggles and persevering will help us reach a point where we lack nothing in our faith.  Jesus tells us here that it will be difficult to follow him.  We will have to do things that goes against our sinful and selfish wants to stay on track. 

Self-Control

I wrote a previous study about Hannah that included a point that Hannah did not respond to her rival in anger when she was being provoked.  Controlling one’s anger is a big part of self-control, the only point that I’d ever really paid attention to. However, the Bible doesn’t only make the connection between anger control and self-control, but it also makes the reference in general.

Proverbs 16:32 (AMP)

He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier],
And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

Mastering oneself is an idea that is given in multiple religions.  The first quote that comes to mind is from Buddhist scripture that says pretty much the same thing as the above verse.  It’s a truth that permeates schools of thought and ways of life that have been around for hundreds of years. Specifically, Solomon and David both write about self-control in several locations stating that self-control is better than losing control.  In other Biblical scriptures, self-control in all things is shown as something needed for us to participate in the struggle of life.

1 Corinthians 9:25

25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [a]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].

I like the comparison between our race for eternal life and a physical race for which the athlete trains vigorously.  As do boxers as mentioned. Paul takes it a bit farther by stating that he disciplines his body to make it his slave. In other translations, the verse said that he “beats” his body.  It is a good example to follow. Not necessarily because we need to hurt ourselves, but we do have to be determined to control ourselves in all things.  

2 Peter 1:5-7

5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, [a]develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].

In this passage, we see self-control listed as a type of a step to acquire love.  It is in a list of qualities to strive for “applying diligence,” making every effort to reach these milestones of Christianity.  Being one of these qualities, I see that self-control leads to steadfastness. Other translations, like the NASB uses the word “perseverance” as the follow on to self-control.  This suggests that learning self-control gives us the ability to persevere through trials and temptations. In Ephesians, there is instruction to put on our spiritual armor to stay in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

There is mention of a spiritual battle for our souls.  This passage is encouragement to stand firm against the “forces of wickedness” by taking up the armor of God which includes faith, truth, the gospel, and righteousness.  These are all things that we need to have inside of us to help us remain self-controlled and standing firm against the attacks of the Devil. There is another list in the Bible that I think pertains to the idea of controlling oneself.

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, [a]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

We are to focus and whatever is good and holy.  We are to think on things that bring peace or that are worthy of praise.  In this manner, we can keep our minds under control and “take captive every thought” as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:5.  In the Amplified translation, it says “taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ” telling us that our thoughts are to be captive to Christ and his purposes.  Focusing on things that are good is essential to completing this task. God helps us attain this kind of self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7(AMP)

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

In this translation, “personal discipline” is defined as things that produce calm, a balanced mind, and self-control.  God gave us a spirit that will allow us or assist us in living a self-controlled life in Christ.  

Galations 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The result of the presence of the Holy Spirit is self-control among other things.  The act of baptism and receiving the spirit God gives us will award us the self-control that comes with it.  We will fall and falter, but the Spirit will help us to regain our footing and continue producing the fruit.

God requires us to be self-controlled in all things.  However, he gives us the ability and the support to have that kind of control through the same spirit that intercedes for us when we do fall short. 

God's Instruction

I wrote a study a while ago about God’s rebuke, but I want to focus on his instruction today.  We see over and over in the story of the Israelites the rebuke of God, but what I don’t usually focus on his how he instructs his people.  Throughout the prophets and the story of Moses, there are many instructions given to them about various things. There were many times that they were taught, commanded, or warned of something and they rebelled.  I’d like to focus on the teaching.

Deuteronomy 8:1-3

1 “Every commandment that I am commanding you today you shall be careful to do, so that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore [to give] to your fathers. 2 And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 He humbled you and allowed you to be hungry and fed you with manna, [a substance] which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you understand [by personal experience] that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:5-6

5 Therefore, know in your heart (be fully cognizant) that the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you just as a man disciplines and instructs his son. 6 Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect].

With these two passages, we see that God basically told the Israelites that they were led through hard times to test them and turn them to His will.  Through the whole chapter, He talks about how He fed them and took care of them, giving them what they need but not fulfilling desire. In the second passage, it’s key to notice that the hard times were explained as instruction and discipline the way that a man does to his son.  In present day, we all go through hard times. I have heard many people say (flippant or not) that maybe they were having a hard time because God was testing them. According to this passage, that could definitely be true. However, in some cases, if not all, there is a lesson to be learned from the experience.  As an adult in his late 30s, I can look back on life and think “wow, I was stupid” when realizing some of the things I did. My friend would say “that’s old folks’ wisdom” - wisdom that comes from experience. A focus on the instruction in the second passage would lead me to see that hard times or hard decisions could be or have been presented to me teach me something that I need to understand. 

God counsels us in his instruction.  David spoke of it many times.

Psalms 32:8

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.

He will show us the way but we have to be willing to learn.  We have to be able to accept the guidance that He is giving us.  We see the example of the Israelites and we think we’re not like them, but I have seen that I’m more like them than I thought I was.  We see the fury of God at their disobedience and his punishment when he saw fit. God is not different today, but the process is different under the new covenant.  Much like Moses with the Israelites, the Bible says that the Spirit intercedes and pleads our case. But the Spirit does more than that.

John 14:26

26 But the [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.  

The Holy Spirit teaches us and guides us.  He is given to us in the name of Christ to teach us “all things” and help us to remember Jesus’ instructions and teachings. We can also get teaching from our main source - the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];

The scriptures are God’s Word.  We can use it for a list of things that boil down to instruction for how to live and remain in God’s will.  Just learning the scriptures will teach us the way to go.