Lead Me Lord

Lead me Father in your ways, even if I have to walk alone.

When I’m tempted to do wrong, make me steadfast wise and strong. And when all alone I stand, shield me with your mighty hand.

In Psalm 5 David’s cry to God is for guidance “Lord lead me.” Those all around are following after their own lusts. David wants none of that.

The temptation to follow the crowd was all around him. David was a soldier and he had a call from God on his life. The ordinary life of a soldier probably didn’t meet with God’s standards. Soldiers had a reputation for rough living. Women, wine, and whatever else they want. Not all soldiers fall into this lifestyle but the reputation was pretty well earned.

David did not want to become like those men. He had a tender heart. A heart towards God that was filled with praise. This did not mean that David refused to pick up a sword but when he did so it was for God’s cause and not his own glory. David wanted to be able to stand before God with a clean heart and hands.

This desire held true for David when he became king too. He conquered much but he did so in the name of the Lord. He struck the people God had instructed Joshua to be removed from the land. David advanced only within the boundaries that God had set up for Israel.

David was not perfect in his actions. If you know the story of Uriah and Bathsheba it is clear. But David had a heart that would receive instruction and connection from the Lord. He wanted nothing to stand between him and the Lord and so he was quick to repent.

Psalm 5 is very appropriate for our lives today. We are living in a time when “anything goes” and even the worst sins are glossed over. Many of the wars raging today are the result of “bloodthirsty” or “boastful” men. Genocide is on the manifest of some of the wars raging. Control and boasting rights are hidden with many others. But war is not the one place we see these behaviors.

In the boardrooms, the stock exchange, and even the classroom, these behaviors are exhibited. Tactics of deceit, aggression, and intimidation are poured out on the unsuspecting. These things are poured out in those who choose to take a stand for the Lord. We have to pray like David for God’s strength to help us stand. And for His guidance for walking the paths He had called us to.

There is so much wrong with our world today and it’s only going to get worse. We are fast approaching the time when Jesus will return, if we read the Bible, we know it is going to get really bad before the end. Luke 21:28 tells us,

“But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”

I do not know home far that ending is but I trust God will get us there in His time. I trust that God directs my path and protects my heart in this process.