Bette Midler introduced a song some years back that caught my attention. It was called “From a Distance.” The lyrics tell of God watching us from a distance. While that is true, (Psalm 33:13-14) an even more wonderful reality is that as His children, God is watching us from a vantage point nearer than our very breath. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (I Cor. 3:16)
Psalm 25 is a prayer for guidance and help. In verses 4 and 5 the Psalmist asks God to be his “Prompter” to alert him to all that he should do. His “Teacher” to instruct him in His will and ways. His “Guide” to show him the right path. And his “Protector” to keep him from harm. What a beautiful prayer! “Show me your paths and teach me to follow; guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe, and I always trust you.” (CEV)
Once we pray like this God expects us to step up to do something to partner with Him in answer to those prayers. Following Jesus is a joint venture that requires effort, discipline and action. God will not do our part for us. And we cannot do God’s part for Him.
As we go deeper into this Psalm, we see at least three ways in which the Psalmist responds to “do” something.
He tuned his heart to hear what God was saying by developing a sensitivity to the Voice within.
He learned to trust God’s judgement and realize that His ways are always best.
He then walked in obedience to the known will of God.
In prayer we are connecting with the Almighty God of the universe. The Creator and Sustainer of all. The God of infinite power and love. The God of mercy and grace. The One who alone can see the big picture all at once. A loving God who is looking out for us continually – who knows where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. The All-knowing One who understands the impact of every decision, action and blessing on our lives and longs to give us His best. A God who is never more than a breath away! David sandwiched his prayer between two deeply felt assertions of “trust.” In Psalm 25:1 he states: “I offer you my heart, Lord God, and I trust you.” And he ends with this declaration: “I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me.” (V:21) God is looking out for you too my friend, from a vantage point nearer than your very breath. And He desires that you be secure in Him as your prompter, teacher, protector, and guide. Be blessed my friend. Glen (Pitts) The Barnabas Group (Loads of Love) II Chronicles 20:1-30; Psalm 25; Psalm 34:1-4; Psalm 91:1-2
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