TEXT: PSALM 48:1-14
Key verse: “For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Psalm 48:14).
The paths of life are a tangled web of attractions. They seek the attention of people, and suck them in, especially when such people are not careful enough to search for, and move in the right direction. Many therefore, live in the vain belief that they are doing the right things, only to be hit at the end with disappointment that all their efforts, strivings, accomplishments have been utterly meaningless. They had gone on the wrong path and lived a worthless life.
The Israelites were never oblivious of the need for guidance and a Guide. The Almighty God was their benefactor. But from time to time in their checkered history, they willfully went astray. Yet, each time they sought a change of course, the Lord was always there to show them the way.
This Psalm was written to extol the goodness of God in their lives. The Lord was ever present with them, guiding them on the way to go, and this was a cause of great joy for them. His presence provided them the security they needed, and brought salvation from their enemies. They saw God as their defender, indeed the defender of Jerusalem, their city. Many times, that city was besieged by enemies. But after every battle, the Israelites formed a habit of undertaking an inspection tour of the city and its defenses, and they never failed to praise God for the protection He provided them. They never ceased too to marvel about the greatness of God.
We need to appreciate God for all His past dealings in our lives - for salvation, victory and provisions, and also realize that we stand no chance of making meaningful progress in life unless we allow Him to guide us. Without Him, we would take wrong decisions that have serious consequences for the rest of our lives. Whether in the area of marriage, career or in day-to-day activities of life, we must make God our Guide.
Thought for today: God does not lead astray.