Scripture: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”- Psalm 143:10
Examination: David is going through a time of despair. He is overwhelmed by circumstances and crying out to the Lord to lead him and restore his joy.
Application: Sometimes I find myself struggling to control certain situations. It seems like whatever course I take, I find myself on a slippery slope to failure! Like David, I cry out, “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.” (v4). In those times, when I am hopelessly at my wits’ end, I find myself turning to God for guidance. Unfortunately, my actions are backward. I should have gone to God at the onset of trouble instead of as a last resort. This is a problem many of us face. We trust in ourselves first, and when that trust fails us, then we turn to the One who never fails.
Proverbs 3:5-6 are very familiar verses to many. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Letting God lead removes any doubt of being on the right path. Isaiah 30:21 confirms this, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” God never leads us astray!
The Bible gives us many other verses explaining the wisdom in allowing God to lead us through life. Here are a few of them:
- Psalm 119:133 – “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
- Allowing God to lead helps protect us from sin.
- Deuteronomy 5:33 – “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.”
- Following God promises a long life that is satisfying.
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
- Letting God lead us helps us serve Him better.
- Colossians 1:10 – “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”
- Walking in His ways allows us to serve Him with good results!
- John 8:12 – “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
- Following Christ protects us from the evil and chaos in a sinful world.
“Walking worthy” takes a strong foundation to keep from being shaken off the path of righteousness. This year, make time to study His Word and strengthen the bedrock of your faith. Then, walk worthy with confidence and boldness as you follow in our Saviour’s footsteps serving Him each day.
Memory Verse: “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” – Psalm 143:8
It is glory just to walk with Him whose blood has ransomed me;
It is rapture for my soul each day.
It is joy divine to feel Him near where'er my path may be.
Bless the Lord, it's glory all the way!
It is glory just to walk with Him. It is glory just to walk with Him.
He will guide my steps aright,
Thro' the vale and o'er the height.
It is glory just to walk with Him.
(from “It is Glory Just to Walk with Him” by Avis B. Christiansen)
So many times in my past I trusted in my wisdom or the wisfom of my friends, instead of asking for God’s directions. In those times, I failed, but God, in His mercy showed me the right way when I called out to Him. How gracious is our Lord!