Perfect means that there are no flaws, no imperfections, nor anything that needs to be changed or altered. Psalm 18:30 is a verse that has three realities. Right now, in our present time, we can stand assured that God’s way is perfect, His word will stand, and He will be our Shield.

It says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” His way is higher than ours. Therefore, in order for His way to become our way, He brings it higher. Psalm 18:32 says, “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.” How does He do it? He conforms our thoughts to His righteous thoughts through His word.

He uses the pressures of our trials, hardships, adversity, and the impossibilities that we face. Like in wheel pottery, the potter has to apply pressure to center the clay before it can be formed. The Lord perfects our way by bringing course correction or discipline. Unrighteous thoughts lead to unrighteous actions. Hebrews 12:11 Amplified says, “For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards…”

It is the ‘afterwards’ that the Lord is working to achieve in us through character transformation. The verse goes on, “…it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness–in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action…” Isaiah 32:17 is one of the ‘afterwards’ which says, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”

I want you to picture the word ‘work’ as the potter centering his piece as you read this verse. Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the work of Your hands.”