At some point in your life you are likely to have to make some significant decisions. These might be decisions in your personal life, or they might be related to your job. Some have jobs where they might have to make very critical and life altering decisions, ones that may affect many people, such as a doctor, scientist, or a world leader. Some of you might feel confident in your ability to make the right decision, but others seek the help and guidance of other people who hopefully will guide them in the right way. Our psalm for this week is a prayer that King David made, asking the Lord for His guidance. Let’s see what David prayed.
As one reads through the Bible of the life of David, we quickly see that there were many times he had to make critical decisions. He spent years trying to escape the threats to his life by King Saul. Then he first became the king of the southern Kingdom of Judah, and then both king of Judah and all of Israel. As a king, and also the chief military leader, David was faced with having to frequently make very important decisions. Though he probably had a council who would have advised when consulted, the one he went to all the time for help was the Lord God. He always went to God for His help all throughout his life.
As David began his prayer, he surrendered himself to the Lord (vs. 1-3). He directed his whole being towards God. His prayers weren’t just empty words. David reached out his heart to the Lord in faith, confident that He would help him in his troubles. David knew that God was greater than anything he faced. Those who come in prayer and wait upon the Lord will not be ashamed. This does not mean that believers will never face difficulty, but it means that He will never fail those who trust in Him. Like David did, when faced with uncertain difficulties and need for His direction, we should first worship, trust, and depend upon God.
After surrendering himself to the Lord, David then requested His guidance (vs. 4-7). David prayed for God to show him, teach him, and lead him. He recognized that spiritual guidance must come from God. We can’t turn to other false deities for help. David asked to be led in God’s ways, His paths, and His truth. The Bible, God’s Word, is the primary means through which He guides His people.
David knew, as he stated in verse 7, that he needed to have a clean conscience before he could expect God to hear and answer his prayers (Psalm 66:18). He brought his sins and faults honestly before God, depending entirely upon His grace. Godly guidance begins with humility. Proud people want God to approve their plans, but humble people want God’s plans.
Everything in David’s prayer rests upon who God is (vs. 8-10). He knew that God is good, and that He desires what is best and right. The Lord is also willing to teach and guide sinners and the humble. He delights in teaching those who recognize their need for Him. Pride resists instruction, but humility receives instruction. The more teachable we become, the more God can shape us into the image of His Son.
David pleaded with God for forgiveness of his sins, which he knew he must do before God could help him (vs. 11). David didn’t say his sin was small, or that his good works outweighed it, or even that he deserved forgiveness. Instead, he said that his sins were great. God is not impressed by excuses. He responds to humble confession. The believer who is humble enough to confess his sins is also the believer who is teachable enough to receive God’s guidance.
There are blessings for those who fear God (vs. 12-14). This fear refers to reverential awe, worship, submission, and obedience to Him. The blessings He bestows on those who fear Him include divine guidance. He will direct those who desire His will. He will also bless with spiritual prosperity and security, though not necessarily material wealth. We are also blessed with fellowship with the Lord. God shares His heart with believers who walk closely with Him.
David winds down his prayer with crying out to God again for deliverance from his troubles (vs. 15-21). However, he kept his eyes fixed on God. Looking continually at our problems will produce despair. Instead, look continually towards God and that will produce hope.
Believers should bring every burden, every decision, and everything in our life to God. There is no trouble too small, and no burden too heavy for Him. When we come to Him, He will guide us. Some of God’s paths for us may be rough and rugged, others tedious and boring, but they all are filled with His love and faithfulness. Our path may have obstacles, but God will lead us through them all.
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