Why is it important to learn His ways, manner, and will?

“Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favour in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognising and understanding more strongly and clearly]…”

Exodus 33:13 

In this verse Moses says that the Lord knows him by name and that he found grace in God’s eyes, yet he asks for it again. Moses realises that one can easily get used to fixed, wrong ways of doing without realising it. This verse makes a person aware of how important it is to regularly investigate yourself because even the slightest hindrance in our hearts can prevent us from learning God’s ways.

A good example is that bitterness can go unnoticed in our hearts. 

“…be on the watch to…  see that no… root of resentment (rancour, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it–“

Hebrews 12:15

It usually begins with disappointment, leading to a strong dislike, an offence, and eventually bitterness. Bitterness can result in many problems in one’s life. Immorality and godlessness are the first consequences against which the Word warns us. Illnesses are also associated with underlying bitterness.

The beginning of the solution is to become aware of any bitterness in your life. That is why Moses prays: “Lord, teach me your ways” – Your ways so I can get rid of this bitterness and get my life in order.

“²¹For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder]. ²²So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. ²³Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. ²⁴You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honour and glory.”^.

Psalm 73:21-24

Here David talks about how we act before God when we think that everything in our life is correct, while bitterness and its problems hide in our hearts like an adder, trying to separate us from the love of God. Yet He takes us by the hand and leads us on His ways. This is indescribable grace!

Conclusion

God’s ways of handling always lead to a good end, but we must ask Him for it and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us step by step to complete victory.

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)….

John 16:13

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, unless otherwise stated.