Godly Counsel – The Presidential Prayer Team

I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8

It is sometimes not entirely clear who is speaking in a verse like today’s – the Psalmist advising human counsel or God speaking of His counsel. While David was the one speaking in this Psalm, God often interjected His thoughts in David’s writings. Both human counsel and God’s counsel are important. Of course, human counsel is only as good as the extent to which it lines up with God’s Word.

Remember the time when the new King of Israel, Rehoboam, sought counsel on how to respond to his people who requested a lighter burden? The elders advised to go along with what the people said and speak to them with kindness. His peers advised harsh words and a heavy hand. Rehoboam went with the younger men’s counsel and reaped trouble. The people rebelled and it led to the splitting of the kingdom. Rehoboam retained Judah and the rest of Israel came under the rule of Jeroboam. Though the result of Rehoboam’s choice was a divided kingdom, God ultimately worked His purpose in the situation (1 Kings 12:24).

Many worry about the counsel that influences the government of this nation. Civil unrest, the influx of illegal immigrants, and other issues are great concerns of the majority of citizens. Pray for the eyes and ears of government officials to be open to God’s counsel. Pray for the people of the United States to turn toward the Lord and His righteousness. God’s eyes are on this country and He desires its inhabitants to follow His counsel. He knows what is going on and this is a great comfort to believers. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Today’s Verse: Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 3:1-14

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments,
²for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.
³Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.
⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
⁷Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.
⁹Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
¹⁰then your barns will be filled with plenty,
    and your vats will be bursting with wine.
¹¹My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
    or be weary of his reproof,
¹²for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
    as a father the son in whom he delights.
¹³Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
    and the one who gets understanding,
¹⁴for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
    and her profit better than gold.