Show Me Your Ways

Show me Your ways, o Lord; teach me Your paths.  

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, 

for You are the God of my salvation; for You 

[You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long 

(Psalm 25:4-5 Amp Bible)

There is much confusion in the world around us, and we all have decisions to make, promises to keep, and obligations to meet.  Thinking the right things, speaking the right words, and doing the right thing in every circumstance is daunting; an impossible task.  Being human, there will always be times when we fail.

The above-psalm is a good example of how to ask assistance from our Heavenly Father.  Examination of these two verses reveals three actions to take, not only in words, but in the attitude of our prayers: show, teach, and guide.  Notice that while these are being requested of God, they carry a silent implication of action on our part.  Before God can show us something, we must be willing to see.  Before He can teach, we must be willing to learn.  And before He can guide, we must be willing to follow.

God does not expend His power and resources on futile causes.  He is interested in results.  Just as a farmer knows the makeup of the soil, and its readiness to receive and grow the seed he plants, so God is fully aware of the condition of hearts and minds.   As we see truths found in His Word, learn to live by them, and follow His directions, we experience His assistance.

Another look at David’s psalm reveals a fourth action word: wait. Waiting is not a natural part of our human nature, yet it is found in many places throughout God’s Word.  Just as God will wait for us to be ready for His assistance, He requires us to wait on His timing.  If we want His power --His help -- we must abide by His plan: His way, His place, His time.

The wait word used here infers waiting patiently and expectantly.  This is the most difficult kind of waiting for it is more than merely worrying and fretting while holding on out of necessity.  It is being still; quietly watching in anticipation and confidence that God will work things out, even when there is no obvious reason to be hopeful:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths 

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

How freeing it is to know that it isn’t necessary to figure everything out and tell God what to do.  He knows all the answers and has all the power and resources necessary to accomplish His purposes.  Once we have truly turned the matter over to Him, our part is to simply wait patiently, expecting Him to show us what to do -- which is sometimes nothing at all --; to teach us how to do it; and to direct our thinking and actions accordingly.

Show me the things You want me to know;
lead me where You deem best;
help me to learn the truths You would show;
calm me when I am distressed;
make me the person You know I can be,
although I am unfit;
help me to trust You are working in me,
changing me bit-by-bit.