Simply the Bible Blog

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
(Psalm 23.3b)

Recently I took a trip to Montana. Being winter, I was concerned about road conditions. I inquired among friends who were familiar with the routes. Some suggested the interstate; others the shortcut through the mountains. Which road was best?

Daily we face such dilemmas. Having made the decision that I would rather spend eternity with God in heaven than with the devil in hell, I sometimes wish He would give me a GPS that would guide me along life’s road. “Turn left here. Talk to so and so. Pray now.” But alas, that’s not the way it works.

God’s leading is much more mysterious. “We walk by faith and not by sight,” the Bible says. Nevertheless, David found that the LORD could be trusted to guide him in the right path.

Sheep are prone to wander, but if they stray too far from their shepherd they become wolf chow. A good shepherd keeps his sheep together and moving along the path of his choosing. He knows where to avoid dangers. He knows how to get to green pastures and still waters. In fact, leading his sheep on the right path is essential if his sheep are going to be healthy and happy. And a good shepherd takes pride in the welfare of his sheep! If they look good, he looks good!

David knew that his Shepherd could be trusted. In Psalm 27.11 he wrote:

“Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, LORD, and lead me on a level path.”

God will do it for His name’s sake. But we must be attentive to our Shepherd’s voice.