ACCESS TO GOD’S WAYS

“The humble He guides in justice, and the HUMBLE He teaches HIS WAY”– Psalm 25:9

It takes Trust, Humility and the Fear of God to gain ACCESS TO GOD’S WAYS: “The humble He guides in justice, and the HUMBLE He teaches HIS WAY. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Psa.25:9-10). The New International Version says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them HIS WAY. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.”

Here, David wrote about the character of God, affirming that it is wise to trust in God, having learnt this by his experience of life’s tough trials. His foes made treacherous plans to disgrace him, but he trusted God to deliver him, forgive him, and guide him through life. God has excellent plans for all whom he saves. In particular, He leads the meek to do what is right and teaches the humble His Ways. In this context, being “humble” or “meek” does not mean being timid, weak, or shy. Humility refers to strength under control. Humble people do not think less of themselves; rather they think of themselves less.

In contrast, the unredeemed or carnal soul is marked by self-will and pride. The reality is that no one can journey through life without God's guidance. The journey presents too many dangers and uncertainties. The humble rely on God for direction and are not disappointed. Psalm 32:8 counsels us to receive instruction: “I will instruct you and teach you in THE WAY you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you.” The New Testament echoes these sentiments: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble…Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (Jam.4:6b, 10). Humility is not always held in high esteem in contemporary culture, but it is a virtue God honours.

Humility and the Fear of God should define all who desire a better knowledge of God and His Ways. Passing through perplexing circumstances, David was concerned that his enemies should not triumph over him, bring him to shame, or cause his faith to fail. The rebels, not the faithful, are the ones who should be defeated (vv.1-3). Therefore, David desired to know more of God and His Ways, so that he will do what is right in all the affairs of life (vv.4-5). He prayed that if past sins were the cause of present troubles, God in His mercy and love would forgive them (vv.6-7). Reassured of God’s goodness towards the humble and penitent, he trusted the God of covenant and testimonies for forgiveness and guidance (vv.8-11).

The more we revere and obey God, the more we find how friendly He is: “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant” (v.14). God reveals His Ways to His covenant friends. Though in his present danger David was lonely and fearful, he kept his eye fixed on God, trusting in Him alone for help: “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net” (v.15). That’s the portion of all who approach the Lord in trust, humility, and reverence, in order to know, understand, and walk in His Ways. God does not save and redeem us just for us to be added to a nominal list. Coming to faith is not a “one and done” scenario. We are born again by God’s Grace and Power, to KNOW Jesus and to WALK with Him and in Him – for He is “THE WAY” (Jh.14:6).

When we acknowledge all the things we can legitimately complain about in life – adversaries, fears, temptations, and trials – they should lead us to one place – “O my God, I trust in You” (v.2a). When we trust God – He will never let us down!