I read the following verse from Psalms many times this past week. The rhyming in the New Living Translation caught my attention and drew me back again and again.
The LORD is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
Psalm 25:8-9, NLT
The Lord guides those who have lost their way and directs them back to Him instructing them in the truth of His Word. This happened to me.
A few months after receiving Christ as my Savior, I was disturbed by guidelines in my church that I didn’t understand. I thought they were too strict, and they expected too much. Over time I realized my mentors were looking out for me. The Lord nudged me forward, helped me to understand His Word, and steered me toward Him.
God is so good—gracious, generous, kind, and loving—and He shares His goodness with us.
A few days ago, I posted the verse below on my Facebook page, and after doing so I noticed some similarities to Psalm 25:8-9.
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8, NKJV
The Lord requires us to do justly or do what is right toward others. To treat people with love, honesty, fairness, and to keep our word. He also desires for us to remain faithful to Him.
My study Bible shared three commands found in Micah 6:8, and I’ve quoted them here:*
1. “Remain just/right in all you do.”
2. “Cherish compassionate kindness/faithfulness.”
3. “Commit yourself to live in submission to your God.”
My study Bible also included this: “Respond to what God has done for you by walking in godliness. Live justly; do what is right to those around you with mercy, kindness, and faithfulness. Walk humbly with your God, acknowledging your complete dependence on Him. Make getting to know Him better a priority every day.”
I hope you will join me in recognizing a need for full dependence upon the Lord and make getting to know Him better each day a primary focus in your life. I desperately need Him to guide me through these difficult times. I pray He will lead you as well.
*Hayford, Jack W. New Spirit Filled Life Bible: NKJV Kingdom Equipping through the Power of the Word. Thomas Nelson, 2002.
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