Psalm 23 is known as the Shepherd’s Psalm, a Psalm of David. In this Psalm David refers to God as his shepherd, the one who cares for and provides him with all that he needs. David’s understanding is born out of his own experience of being a shepherd before he became king. It’s safe to say that God was preparing him to lead his people as a godly king through his experiences of shepherding sheep. God has a way of leading us through situations that will teach us and make us stronger for what is ahead of us. We should never forget where we are coming from or we will forget the lessons we learned to help us understand where we are. Today’s watchword is Psalm 23: 3 He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.

It’s easy to follow when leadership is direct and visible. God leads us in ways that are easily understood and in ways that we must discern. The clearest blueprint of God’s plans for us is found in His word. The Bible clearly sets out what is expected of those who follow Christ, who are called by His name. I have always believed that the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5 – 7) is a good place for us to begin to understand what God expects of us. In addition to His words, God is able to orchestrate situations to place us where we need to be in order that His will be done. Imagine Paul and Silas, imprisoned for doing God’s will. While in prison however, God uses them to bring salvation to their prison guard and his entire household. Friends, do not berate where God has you for a particular moment in your life. It may not have been part of your plan, it may not have been on your vision board for your future, but God has a purpose for every place he leads you, every situation he allows you to endure. Let God lead you.

The Lord also leads us through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We discern through the spirit’s guidance, God’s will for our lives. This is what leads us when we make decisions on which we have no clear guidance from the Bible. Our decisions should not be led by out desires or emotions but by Biblical teaching combined with the Spirit’s leading. Paul challenges us in Phil 2: 5 to have a mind like Jesus, a mind that allowed him to be humble enough to be led by God so that he did not seek his own fulfillment but fully submitted himself to the Father’s will. When we are thus submitted, when we are not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, it becomes possible for us to receive Spiritual direction for our lives and we will have no doubt that what we do is directed by the Lord. Let God lead you my friends.