231. PSA 25:4. THE LORD’S PATHS

Psa_25:4. The Lord’s Paths

"O Lord, teach me thy paths."’97Psa_25:4.

The wicked say to God, Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways; the good man acknowledges God in every thing, and he commits himself entirely to his guidance and guardian care He recognises the principle, and breathes the spirit, of the text, "O Lord, teach me thy paths."

Notice,

I. The Prayer.

Here are two things. The subject of the prayer’97"Lord’s paths."

1. Paths of Divine Providence.

Often dark, mysterious’97always wise and right, and good.

2. Paths of grace.

Way of holiness, happiness, &c. Way through the desert to Canaan. Sometimes obscure and clouded. Pillar of cloud necessary.

3. Paths of duty.

"Lord, what wouldest thou have me to do?" Duty and ease, duty and interest, duty and desires, often at variance Observe, The prayer itself is for Divine teaching’97"Lord, teach me." Here is an admission of ignorance, of insufficiency, of anxiety and of application to the right source "Lord, teach me."

1. Clearly to understand thy paths.

2. Heartily to approve of them.

3. Constantly to walk in them.

Notice,

II. The Importance of this Prayer.

1. It is important to our intellectual and spiritual improvement.

To grow in knowledge, path shine more and more, &c. 2Pe_1:5.

2. It is important to our comfort.

How unhappy the mariner in a dense fog, traveller in the dark, &c.

3. It is of importance to our safety.

In danger of error, apostacy, &c. None but God can guide us safely, &c.

Notice,

III. The Way in which God answers this Prayer.

1. By exhibiting the examples of his saints.

"We are to be followers of them," &c.

2. By the statements of his word.

1Pe_1:19; 2Ti_3:16.

3. By calling us to imitate his Son.

"He hath left us," &c. 1Pe_2:21.

4. By the influences of his Spirit.

Joh_14:16-17; xvi. 13, &c.

"Lead us to holiness, the road

That we must take to dwell with God;

Lead us to Christ, the living way,

Nor let us from his pastures stray.

"Lead us to God, our final rest,

In his enjoyment to be blest;

Lead us to heaven, the seat of bliss

Where pleasure in perfection is."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS