Psalm 23:3b

Psalm 23:3b

Psalm 23:3b,“He guides me in paths of righteousness”
 
[I praise you, Lord Jesus, Our great Shepherd, that you take the time to show us the right way, the best way, so we can walk with you well through whatever circumstances you bring.
 
I praise you that we can know the way of righteousness because you reveal it to us with your Word, your life and the Spirit’s guidance.
 
Praise you for the preparation you have done to give us direction, drawing and driving us into the Word, teaching us your thoughts and arranging circumstances. Praise you for your constant presence to lead us step by step as we listen to you. Thank you for your loving, gracious care.]
 
“He guides me…for his name’s sake.”
 
[What a wonderful motive for guiding us—we can be sure your guidance will be right–and that as we follow you, we may bring honor to your name.
 
Praise you that your foundational desires are always clear in your Word, that your Spirit prompts us in the right way, and that we can then bring glory to you by obeying you.
 
I think of my lost passport in Charlotte, of our delayed arrival in Dallas, of my plane being late coming into Frankfurt and missing my train. These uncomfortable situations were all opportunities to follow you in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake, to exalt your name by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving, by trusting you to have a plan and to work it out for the best. And in each case you did.
 
I praise you that these happenings show how trustable your leading is, how you always help us towards doing what is right and righteous, to keep your name clear and clean.
 
Part of your leading us on these paths is teaching us how to respond to difficulties and persecutions, which is a call to share in the sufferings of Christ. May we do this well, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving at each juncture and rejoicing in the privilege of honoring you.
 
You, Lord Jesus, are our gracious and good Shepherd, worthy of trust, worthy of worship, worthy of belief. May I follow your leading today in your paths of righteousness.]