by Dr. Al Hearne II

 

This fourteenth shore excursion explores how we can seek and follow God's guidance daily, grounding ourselves in His truth.

 

Shore Excursion 14 - How Does God Lead Us in His Ways?

Psalm 25:4-5, "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

Psalm 25, written by King David, is a prayer for guidance, protection, and forgiveness. King David desires to understand and walk in God's ways in these verses.  With humility, he asks God to "teach" him and "lead" him, recognizing that true knowledge and direction come from God alone. David's words reflect a heart surrendered to God's will, seeking to know God's truth and live it out. This request for divine guidance is an invitation for God to shape his decisions, attitudes, and actions.

The phrase "teach me your paths" implies that God's ways differ from ours and require intentional guidance and instruction. David acknowledges that, on his own, he cannot fully grasp or follow God's paths. He needs God's truth to illuminate the way. The foundation of his plea lies in his trust that God, the "God of my salvation," will provide direction as he waits on the Lord. This act of waiting is not passive; it reflects a deep, active trust in God's timing and wisdom.

 

What does this mean for us today?

Psalm 25:4-5 calls us to seek God's direction in our fast-paced lives. When we ask God to "teach" and "lead" us, we practice humility and recognize our need for His wisdom over our own. Accepting God's truth means we let His Word guide our steps and remain open to His instructions. Just as David trusted God to guide him, we trust God knows what is best for us. When we surrender daily to His guidance, choose to be led, and wait patiently for His direction, we align our lives with God's truth. He then invites us into a deeper relationship, teaching, guiding, and transforming us.

 

Reflective Practice

In what areas of your life are you seeking God's guidance?

What can you do to seek a deeper understanding of God's truth while waiting on God's timing and direction?

Are there specific "paths" or decisions where you feel challenged to align with God's truth? How might you surrender these areas to His guidance?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of our salvation and for leading us in Your truth. Help us to come to You with open hearts, ready to be taught and guided. Teach us to trust in Your timing and wisdom, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours. As we seek to walk in Your paths, may our lives reflect Your truth and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

[This image, God’s Path, was created by DOPALL·E.]