Lord, Be My Guide

Psalm 25:4-10

One of the most famous landmarks in England is the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster in London, which contains the Houses of Parliament.  The Clock Tower is more affectionately known as Big Ben.  The sounds of the clock as it strikes the hours are perhaps one of the most familiar sounds in the world. What many might not know is that there are lyrics inscribed inside Big Ben that go along with the chimes notes.  They read:  “All through this hour, Lord, be my guide; And by Thy power, No foot shall slide.”  Those sentiments are ones that King David knew and could relate to, especially as we look into Psalm 25, which he wrote.

Verses 4 - 7 of our portion of this psalm is a prayer that David wrote, and verses 8 - 10 give a description of God, as David came to know him throughout his life.  Throughout the ups and downs of David’s life, he came to know that God’s ways are always better than his own (vs. 4-5).  We need to depend on God for direction and guidance. Going our own way, depending solely on our own thinking, can lead to trouble, sometimes quite serious trouble.  Turn to God for His leading and truth.  His ways won’t lead us into the mud and mire of sin if we follow Him.  Even if we do find ourselves there, if we call upon God, confessing and repenting of our sins, (vs. 6 - 7) He will reach down and help us (Psalm 40:2).  David experienced that several times throughout his life, and knew first-hand that following God’s ways are always best.

David saw God as always patient and willing to forgive sinners.  He helps repentant sinners to start over again (vs. 8).  God could have condemned David completely many times, just as He could us, as well.  Instead, He allowed David, and allows us to repent and relearn His ways.  We, as Christians, have the opportunity to be forgiven through the Blood of the Lord Jesus.

I’ve known some people who decided that once they got out of school, that was it, they were never going to learn or study another thing.  They rarely, if ever, willingly cracked open a book again.  That is sad, and makes for a very dull person.  It is always good to continue learning, and that is especially true in our Christian life, as well.  It is crucial, and so important to by faith accept Jesus as Savior.  However, we can’t just stay there.  We must allow God to grow our faith.  As David expressed in vs. 8 - 9, he wanted the Lord God to teach him. We can’t just learn religious concepts in a partial or half-way.  We must experience the truth of God’s Word in a total, transformational way.  As Christians, we should not just skim through the Bible, but study it, internalize it, and apply it to real life situations that we have.

Some of the paths that God has placed us on are rough ones.  They might not be ones that we would have selected ourselves.  If we faithfully trust and follow Him, we will find it is the right road after all (vs. 10).  Some of the most rugged hiking paths lead to the best views.  Our path may have many obstacles and rugged ruts, but trust God to lead you.  The end result will be well worth it.