Rooted In God’s Character

– Ponderings:

I’m still trying to figure out traffic patterns from the church to home. If I leave the church as parents gather in our parking lot to pick up their kiddos, I can get past the elementary school with no problem. But then I hit the line of cars at the elementary school by my house which takes up both lanes and I stall getting home. If I leave the church later in the day, after the cars have left, then the traffic is horrible. As for Indianapolis Blvd., I can’t make sense of it. If I’m going NB, the SB lights are the first to change. If I’m going SB, then the NB lights change first. And don’t get me started about the three train tracks I have to cross. Very frustrating.

Why am I sharing this? My mind has been wandering this morning rather than pondering. I was reading Ps. 25 and thinking about how I try to follow God’s path but often get derailed, stalled, or stuck. Do you see the connection? (I hope). Here are some verses from Ps. 25 (NIV):

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
Good and upright is the Lord;
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
My eyes are ever on the Lord …
Turn to me and be gracious to me …
Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord, is in you.

We see David (the author of this psalm) crying out for direction, seeking to know the right way in a world that often feels confusing and overwhelming. He doesn’t just ask for any path—he wants God’s path because deep down he knows that God’s way leads to truth, righteousness, and life.

We need this same guidance in our lives. Our world is no less confusing than David’s and full of distractions he could have never imagined. Life presents us with countless decisions and choices, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by uncertainty or grab at whatever looks good at that moment. But David reminds us to look to God as the One who teaches us His ways and leads us in truth.

What’s so comforting in this psalm is the assurance that God’s guidance is rooted in God’s character: because God is good, forgiving, and loving, that’s how he responds to us and our need for constant direction. It’s kind of like my GPS which patiently recalculates my route every time I take a wrong turn. Despite our sins, mess-ups, and mistakes, God offers love and compassion. He is always ready to forgive and steer us back onto the right path.

Where do you need God’s guidance today? Maybe you’re facing a tough decision or feel uncertain about the future. Psalm 25 encourages us to ask God to reveal the right path for us, no matter what lies ahead.

Prayer: Lord, I come before you today, seeking your guidance. Show me your ways and teach me your paths. Help me to trust that you know what is best for me. Thank you for your mercy, love, and faithfulness, even when I fall short. Lead me in your truth today and always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.