During my devotional time with the Lord one morning, I asked Him how I could have more peace and stability in my life. I was getting weary of feeling like I was on an emotional roller coaster all the time, and I knew that God had something better for me. When He led me to the verse above, I asked Him to give me some insight into what this Scripture meant about keeping the Lord “before me.”

First, He showed me that I have to continually put God’s ways and interests before my own. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV) In other words, we should always put “His way of doing and being right” above our own. (AMP) The Lord promises in the second half of this verse that as we get our priorities straight, He will provide everything we need to live the abundant life He's called us to. (“All these things shall be added to you.”)

Second, I need to keep the Lord before my eyes. Scripture says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) As we stay focused on Christ – instead of on ourselves, other people, or the events that surround us – our faith will be steady and strong, and we will be less likely to stray from God’s perfect plans for us, which He says are plans for prosperity and peace. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Third, I must keep the Lord before me by letting Him stay in the lead. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 NKJV) Christians are often referred to as “Christ-followers.” By allowing the Lord to take the lead in every area of our life, and in every matter that concerns us, we will be spared from all of the obstacles, hardships, and heartaches that He desperately wants us to avoid.

Besides keeping the Lord “before” us, we need to keep Him at our “right hand,” as this verse from Psalm 16 says. “Right hand” here means the place of highest honor, which is where the Scripture says Jesus is, in respect to the Father. “Then God put [Christ] in the place of honor at His right hand as Prince and Savior.” (Acts 5:31 NLT) As we give the Lord His rightful place in our life, we will experience the unshakable peace and stability that His Word promises. The verse that follows in this psalm reveals that our Christ-centered life will also result in abundant joy and thanksgiving to God: “No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts His praises!” (Psalm 16:9 NLT)

Do you long to have more peace, joy, and stability in your life? Then follow this biblical formula for success, and take hold of the blessed inheritance that is waiting for you in Christ!

Prayer: Lord, today I surrender myself to You anew, and I place You on the throne of my life, where You belong. When something or someone threatens to take Your rightful place, deal with me until my wholehearted devotion to You is restored. May my declaration of faith forever be – “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken”! (Psalm 16:8 NIV)