“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV1984). Each of us should make such a request as David so earnestly did.The Bible has everything we need for instruction in His way, His path and His truth.
Why do we need to know God’s ways? Because “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9). There is no room for self-reliance. For a believer, trusting in self will not bring happiness nor will it satisfy a longing to be in God’s will. God knows what is best for each of us. Why would we ever assume otherwise? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
We live in a fallen, dark and evil world, the path filled with dark shadows and dangers on every side. Satan and his emissaries are working overtime to destroy our relationship with Jesus. We have a promise, however, that God’s Word will always brighten our path. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). This isn’t the light of a flashlight with a low battery. It isn’t dim like the low-wattage bulb in a lamp. No, this is a bright, radiant light that pierces the darkness of evil and keeps our eyes focused on the Lord. Even if we begin to stray from the right path, God’s Word helps us get back on track. He guides us gently and with patience. He loves us and wants our obedience. There is no other way to have such a wonderful and blessed life. “This God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” (Psalm 48:14). He deserves our complete obedience.
Guide and teach me your truth. Why is God’s truth so wonderful? “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11). I can longingly say “teach” me, Lord; I am ready to listen and learn!
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God; with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (Psalm 86:11-12). This is what God wants from us — He deserves it.
In the last part of verse five, David fully acknowledged his hope, trust and confidence in God all day long. He knew without a doubt that no matter what came his way, God was there to guide him. We should feel the same way.
Jesus summed up all these words by saying, “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
