God our guide

When we discover a new hobby we often turn to mentors and teachers who can guide us: in person, from the page, or on a screen. A good teacher begins by gaining our trust. A good teacher meets us where we are and takes us where we want to go, one step at a time. Whether or not we excel, the mentor's experience will guide us to find enjoyment in our new hobby.

Psalm 25 reflects the wonderful growth of the person who seeks God's help. The essential first step in the journey of prayer is trust, and that is how the psalm begins: "In you, Lord my God, I put my trust."

Prayer is not solely a list of requests, or even thanksgiving, or confession, though all of those things are important aspects of prayer. Before all of these, prayer is, at its heart, bringing our lives to God, because all of life depends on God: "I trust in you".

Having established this relationship of trust, the psalm next addresses the requests of the person at prayer. These initial requests are summed up in the words, "show, teach, guide".

In the school of life, God is our Guide. And why? Simply this,"for you are God my Saviour." All of salvation is a gracious gift from the expert Teacher. The one who carries our burdens on the Cross is the one who stands with us as we pray. He is there to show us the way, to teach us how best to live and enjoy life, to guide us in the path which is both good and right. No wonder we feel joy welling up within us as we learn from Him!  "All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful."

 

Prayer:

 

Thank You, Lord, that You are a faithful God. You are the One who leads and guides, who corrects and trains. Give me a teachable spirit and a desire to know Your ways. I trust You to lead me each day, for your love is without measure. Amen.

 

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