He Leadeth Me in Paths of Righteousness for His Name’s Sake

We have so far found out that the Lord is our shepherd and his guidance is the theme of this whole psalm. He leads us through good times which are the” green pastures” and difficult times which are the “still waters” as he meets our every need – “we shall not want”.

Now, what does it mean that when David wrote that “He leads us in paths of righteousness”? I believe, according to what the Bible teaches, that through all the experiences of life, the good, the bad and, yes, even the ugly, the Lord is leading us gently like a shepherd. These are the paths that He has chosen for us even when we are not aware of Him. When the World tempts us or evil betrays us and bad things happen to us we sometimes think we are straying and drifting in a sea of confusion. Then, we lose faith in the Good Shepherd. However, He does intervene and gently guide us back to Him and we will experience  more faith than we ever had before.

I remember in my own life how He has intervened and I will give you a few examples. Whenever we have moved, we have found a good church right away and Christian friends almost immediately. This has happened with us the last three times.  My story “The Rich Uncle” – that’s here on my blog – is a example of one of those times.

Also, He has led me in terms of employment also. I heard a still, small voice when I didn’t know what to do tell me to go back to substitute teaching. My other job, being a homemaker which I do during the summer months I found by going to two random networking meetings and meeting each of my bosses at each one. Then, I randomly pulled Arlene’s card right out of a full basket and called her. We talked about it and she hired me right on the spot.

Bob, too, my husband got his bus driving job idea from a friend, Charlie, who used to do it. At first, Charlie wanted me to be a bus driver, but I didn’t feel right about it. However, I told Bob and that planted the seed. Now, he’s doing it and he loves it. It is a real ministry opportunity.

So even in the chaos of life, somehow the Lord does His will. I wish I could say it was easy, but it is not. However, I believe God is good and does His will in our lives if we are Christians and love Him. Like the Lord’s prayer we can pray that the Lord will come to our rescue. He may take us out of our troubles or deliver us through them. Either way, his direction will guide us and his will is the wisest way we could go.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. And we give you all the glory, Jesus! Amen!