Psalm 25:4-5 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.

This is the cry of someone who is genuinely humble before the Lord, and it is no surprise that it was written by David. It is a recognition that left to ourselves, we wander like sheep. (Isaiah 53:6) The English and the Japanese translations agree remarkably here, with virtually no deviation, which is actually somewhat unusual. As I see it, “Your ways” speaks of general life principles, but “Your paths” speaks of more specific, individual guidance. We need both! The Bible is certainly adequate to teach us life principles, but we need to be trained in listening to God to recognize His more detailed instructions. Hebrews 5:14 says it this way: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” It is by applying the truth/Scripture we know that we learn to distinguish between opportunities and temptations. To the natural eye they can seem remarkably similar! David recognized that his salvation was in God alone, which is why he waited expectantly for God all day long. (For some reason English translations seldom use that compound expression, often translating it “hope,” or simply “wait,” but it is frequently found in the Japanese.) It was when David lost the edge of recognizing his need of God that he fell into the huge sins of adultery and murder. That should be an object lesson for every believer. One of the most dangerous things of all is thinking, even for a moment, that we don’t need God.

This passage expresses the attitude I know I need, but I must not presume I have it sufficiently. I am to keep watch over my heart, that I not fall into the deception of self-sufficiency. I am to apply the Word I know, so as not to deceive myself. (James 1:22) The more people are touched by the words I speak, the more I need to recognize that I can say nothing good on my own. As has been said, in God’s kingdom the way up is indeed the way down. If I lose sight of my total dependence on God, I’ve lost it all. I desire to be an open conduit of God’s truth to many, but I must remember that I am no more significant than a clay pot. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Father, thank You for the many opportunities You give me to speak Your truth. I ask You to guard my lips this morning, that I may be as brief as I need to be, yet still communicate what You want said. I pray that in my every encounter I may speak Your truth in love, to build people up and not tear them down, so that the Body of Christ may be strengthened and energized to do Your will in Your way on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!