Psalm 25

“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, NIV)

“How can I know the will of God?” is a question people often ask. David knew that he needed God’s help to navigate him through life. Left to his own devices, he could head for the rocks! We all have a faulty navigation system because our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). We need a heavenly GPS to steer us clear from temptation and sin.

Here is another problem we face:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NKJV)

Our enemy loves to lead us into this deceptive path. He tempts us to take the bait while he hides the hook. He knows what we like—even more than Amazon and Google! He has been at this a long, long time.

Therefore, David prayed, “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths.” This is more than just knowing God’s will. This is knowing God Himself. Knowing His heart and character makes it easier to discern the right way that leads to life.

We also have the light of the Word:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV)

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, NKJV)

The Word does not illuminate miles ahead of us; it only shows us the next steps. David knew that he needed God’s Word, laws, precepts and judgments to show him the way he should go.

Finally, we have the Holy Spirit as our ever-present guide to lead us to our destination:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13, ESV)

With such navigational resources, we have no excuse for getting lost in the woods. Through knowing God’s character, meditating on His Word, and being led by the Holy Spirit, we have all that we need to avoid the way of death and progress in the path of life.

“Heavenly Father, show us your way today. Forgive us when we have gone our own way. Lead us in the path of life for your name’s sake, for we hope in you alone. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”