“Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will He teach sinners in the way.” Psalm 25:8
It was B. Mansell Ramsey who wrote the following:
“Long as my life shall last; teach me Thy way! Where’er my lot be cast; Teach me Thy way! Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done, Until the crown is won; Teach me Thy way!”
Here is a stanza of a well-known hymn, which is also a prayer. It is somewhat a modern version of David’s prayer found in Psalm 25. In that hymn, David begins with a declaration of faith, “O my God, I TRUST in Thee.” From that position of faith, David reveals to us just what it means to trust in God. His petitions are specific, and clear. “Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths” (v.4) He goes on to pray very specifically concerning a very specific need…that of being led, taught by God. His expectation of God is one that continues “…all the day.”(v.5) Why, and how, can David have such clarity, and conviction, with regard to God moving in his behalf in such a specific manner? It is first because of what we are in our utter need as sinners. Though created in His image, our need is immeasurable, for God Himself, by the Spirit, to enlighten our hearts, and reveal Himself to us. He does this as we specifically pray, and trust Him.
The second reason for which David is confident in praying thus, is certainly the most important. David writes of God’s “tender mercies,” and “Thy loving-kindnesses.” (v.6) He continues to unveil to us his knowledge of the very nature of God by writing: “Good and upright is the Lord: THEREFORE He will teach sinners in the way.” (v.8) The absolute need of the human heart to know God and His ways, coupled with the absolute mercy, lovingkindness, goodness, and uprightness of God, is the perfect basis for God to truly, in His mercy and grace, to specifically answer prayer in this matter of being taught by God. Faith finds its footing, and boldly comes to God, to trust in God to actually meet the specific needs of the soul.
David’s petitions, with regard to being taught by God, are several. He speaks of a knowledge of God’s ways, His paths, and His truth. It is noteworthy that these prayers are all focused on that which is of God. David is seeking that which is heavenly, divine, the very intervention of God in his life. The great issue is the knowledge of God’s way, so different than that of man. David needs to know God’s paths of mercy and truth, for they are eternal. He also realizes that, with respect to the faith to pray for God to teach, there must be a commitment to God to follow Christ, an embracing of God’s covenant, adhering to and abiding by the truth already known of God. Faith is both intellectual, and volitional.
In considering this matter of believing God to teach him, David is very aware that there can be no unconfessed, or conscious sin, that has not been dealt with in the life. Thus, David prays, “For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” (v.11) Only the greatness of God’s mercy and grace can forgive and cleanse great sin. David believes this, and makes his appeal to God to totally deal with this matter.
In dealing wit these different matters that must be addressed concerning God truly teaching him, David seems to always come back to the central issue of God truly, and very manifestly, teaching him specifically with regard to his walk, work, and life on this earth. He states that for the man who truly fears God, “…him shall He (God) teach in the way that he shall choose.” (v.12) Here is a man, whose pursuit is God, to know Him, and be led by Him. He is a man who knows something of the nature, and character of God, and bases his prayer on it. He is certain that “…the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” (v.14)
Dear Father, Teach us today Thy way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.