I Will Guide You

This promise was given to David from the Lord, when he had come through one of the darkest tunnels of his life. David had fallen badly and there were reasons why this happened. Firstly, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was restless and couldn’t sleep so he went on to the roof of his palace. He should have been miles away, leading his army at war. Secondly, he was filled with a wrong desire. He saw a very beautiful woman and sent someone to find her. Thirdly, he made the wrong choice and committed adultery with Bathsheba who became pregnant with his child (2 Samuel 11).

David chose to cover his wrong, which led to deeper sin and heartache. He chose to keep silent about what he had done and live a lie (Ps. 32:2), but he could never hide from God. As a result of his deception, he suffered both physically and psychologically. His bones were painful, he was physically tired and weak and unable to cope with life. He had symptoms of depression.

Many people have made wrong choices on their life’s journey - choices when away from God, and choices from wrong desire. The way of restoration is the same for each of us as it was for David – own what is hidden, come to the point of complete honesty and confession, and receive the forgiveness and cleansing from guilt that David received.

I guess it’s possible to miss the best pathway, and settle for second best. That’s not what God desires – He always wants the best for His children. In the centre of the city of Chester there is a clock which is inscribed with the words, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” The best pathway for each of our lives, of course, is to live them for Jesus Christ.

God is a restoring God. Whatever our past, we needn’t be stuck there. As we bring ourselves to Him in humility and truth we, like David, can hear the word from His heart to our heart, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.’ We are truly blessed when our sin is forgiven and our transgressions are covered (Ps. 32:1). Do you need to experience the healing which comes from confession and forgiveness?

Prayer: Father God, thank you that you forgive, heal, and restore. I take to heart Your promise, that You will guide me along the best pathway for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.