“For this God is our God forever and ever. He will be our Guide even unto death.”
Psalm 48:14
When we don’t know the way, it’s always best to listen to someone who does.
Lost.
That’s the way we often describe something that’s misplaced or someone who’s traveling and in need of directions. Yet, nowadays there are so many navigational aids available to travelers that losing one’s way is becoming increasingly lest likely.
But, it still happens. Especially in the spiritual realm.
For years there have been road maps and atlases to assist travelers in going from one place to another. But, these aids are usually quite large and cumbersome—and offer little assistance when it comes to detailed maps of many metropolitan areas or rural locations.
That’s why the advent of the G.P.S. has been such a blessing.
These devices, which utilize the latest technology and satellite positioning coordinates, help one find where he’s wanting to go, whether it be in a car, on a bicycle, backpacking or simply walking. And, they come in all sizes—from large, in-dash ones in a vehicle to small handheld devices in one’s pocket and purse or located in one’s cell phone.
There were no navigational aids in the psalmists’ days. If they ventured away from familiar environs, they were dependent upon others’ assistance or utilized the stars overhead for their directions. And, even then, these left a degree of uncertainty as to one’s specific location until the destination was reached.
But, the psalmist wasn’t talking about those types of aids in today’s Manna.
He was talking about the great God of Abraham and how He is our Guide both in life and death.
The Hebrew word “nahag” is used here for “Guide” and basically means “to lead forth, proceed, bring forth, carry away, etc.” Thus, it’s the picture of one leading the way in unfamiliar territory, much like the pioneer scouts did when the settlers were moving westward in the early days of America.
Isn’t this a wonderful description for the Lord God, Who is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent? Isn’t it wonderful to know that the same One Who created us in our mother’s womb is the same One Who’ll guide us through life if we’ll be trust Him (Prov. 3:5-6; Jn. 16:13)?
Assuredly it is. But, the key is surrendering to Him and listening to His Counsel.
Too often our pride prevents us from “being still and knowing He is God” (Ps. 46:10). Even though baffled and perplexed by our problems. . .exasperated and despairing at “Wit’s End Corner” (Ps. 107:27). . .we still want to sing “I Did It My Way.”
Much better is our moving out of the driver’s seat and saying “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” It’s allowing His G.P.S. (“God’s Positioning Spirit”) to direct us in our thoughts, words and deeds—knowing that He’ll lead us in the Way of Righteousness and ultimately on to Glory.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 22, 2010