Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. – Psalm 25:5
New students at colleges and universities generally meet with a syllabus for the first time. This resource becomes the guide through the course of study, and what is expected from both the instructor and the student. It will often include rules, regulations, and policies, a schedule of assignment due dates, and the texts required. A thorough syllabus will inform a student of almost everything needed as learning progresses.
In today’s verse, David is seeking the guidance of the Lord. “Lead me” and “teach me” are his pleas. In other situations, the psalmist has sought wisdom. Yet what he yearns for in today’s verse is more than intellectualism. He wants to know the path that God has laid out for him. For the Christ follower of today, there is the benefit of the entirety of the Bible, which provides clear instruction on how to walk, when to walk, where to walk, and the walk that brings benefit to your life.
Pastor and author Brian Hedges reminds you that, just as with wisdom, receiving God’s guidance and direction involves fearing Him. “God isn’t a genie in a bottle that we just rub the lamp and expect to get our three wishes. No, we are relating to the Creator God, the true and the living God, to a holy God, to a God of majesty and of transcendence. It’s only when we fear him, only when we get to know him as he really is, that we can then begin to receive his guidance.”
Writer Elisabeth Elliott asked, “Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying the thing that lies before us today?” She suggests that as you are obedient in what comes before you today, you will gain more guidance tomorrow.
Immerse yourself in Scripture. Put into practice the truths you learn. The path for tomorrow will open up as you take the steps of today. As Brother Lawrence said in Practicing the Presence of God, “Let us occupy ourselves entirely in knowing God.” The more you know Him, the more you learn of Him, the more you are obedient to His guidance, the clearer your path will be.
Pray for believers in Jesus who are serving in government to rely on the guidance of the Lord, in His Word, and in prayer.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 25:5
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 3:1-13
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
