ALIGNING MY HEART WITH GOD’S WORD

Re-centering Our Lives on Truth

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” — Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

We live in a culture saturated with information and competing voices. Opinions, advice, headlines, podcasts, and social media constantly press in, all offering guidance on how to think, what to value, and which direction to take. Yet for all the noise, clarity often feels harder to find, not easier. In the midst of so many voices, Scripture reminds us that there is one voice that must rise above the rest: the steady, trustworthy voice of the Lord, spoken through His Word. When everything else is loud and shifting, God’s Word remains clear and unchanging, calling us to slow down, listen carefully, and realign our lives with His truth.

Ezra 7:1–10 reveals that this struggle is not unique to our time. God’s people were back in the land after exile. The temple had been rebuilt, worship had resumed, and outwardly things appeared to be moving in the right direction. Yet beneath the surface, there was still confusion about how to live faithfully in a changed world. They were no longer surrounded by Babylon, but its values and influences still lingered within them. What they needed most was not more activity, but a renewed attentiveness to the voice of the Lord. They needed their lives re-centered on God’s Word.

That is why God raised up Ezra. Before Scripture highlights his leadership or accomplishments, it points to his devotion. Ezra had committed himself to the Word of God. He studied it deeply, lived it faithfully, and taught it clearly. His authority did not come from position alone, but from a life shaped by Scripture. In a season filled with competing influences, Ezra served as a steady voice, reminding God’s people that true direction is found by listening first and foremost to the Lord. As a result, the hand of God rested on his life and ministry.

The same principle holds true for us today. When God’s Word becomes our primary reference point, it quiets the noise around us and steadies the confusion within us. Scripture helps us discern what matters most, exposes subtle drift, and gently brings us back into alignment with God’s heart. Obedience to His Word does not remove every challenge, but it keeps us oriented toward truth. Over time, a life shaped by Scripture becomes a living testimony, pointing others toward the same source of clarity and hope.

If you find yourself uncertain about the way ahead, the invitation is simple and gracious. Pause. Listen. Return to the Word. The answer is not found in keeping pace with every voice around you, but in re-centering your life on the voice of the Lord. God is not hurried, but He is faithful to guide those who seek Him with an attentive heart.

You can read the full written sermon, Finding Your Way from Ezra 7:1–10, on the SERMONS page of this site.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are a God who speaks and a God who guides. Even when my life feels hurried or unclear, Your voice remains steady and true. I confess that there are moments when I move quickly but not always wisely, and I have allowed many voices to shape my direction. Today, I ask You to realign my heart to Your Word. Quite those things that distract me and steady those things that feel unsettled within me. Lead me step by step, and use my life to point others toward You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.