Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 25:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Verse 2O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Verse 3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Verse 4Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Verse 5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Verse 6Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Verse 7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O Lord!
Verse 8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
Verse 9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Verse 10All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Devotion
A few weeks ago my friend and I were driving to the near north side of Minneapolis in search of a well-known paper goods store. We managed to get only as close as the maze of stalls in the Farmer's Market, since we were told that the paper goods store was near the market. We drove around and around with no success. We saw a young man, rolled down our window and asked for directions to the paper goods store. He was very helpful and said he knew exactly where to go. We breathed a sigh of relief and followed his directions, only to discover that he didn't really know where the store was.
Next we found a middle-aged woman who appeared wise in the whereabouts of shopping destinations. She was also most cordial and wanted to help us. But her directions also did not lead us to the store. We finally did find the store with a minimum of crankiness.
In a much more profound way, I identify with the Psalmist when he says, "Make me know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me."
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I find that I so easily get lost in choosing which road to take. I trust that you will guide me to make the right choices today. Amen.