Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2025,%2029,%2033,%2036,%2039&version=NIV

In our reading of the Psalms today, 25:4-5 jumped out at me right away. “Show me your ways, O 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.” I always seem to be praying for guidance and direction – probably because I always seem to be messing things up.

As I continue to read the Psalms, what I’m finding is that I love their diversity. What a wonderful example of the ways in which we can lift up our voices to our God. He desires that we bring all things before him.

Ps 25 - We can cry out when we are in need of guidance or forgiveness or deliverance & protections. We can lift our voices in praise for his goodness and mercy

Ps 29 - We can sing praises in acknowledgement of God’s glory & strength and the wonder of his majestic voice. We can rejoice in awe of his place on the throne as king of his people forever.

Ps 33 - We can shout for joy for his faithfulness and the power of his word

Ps 36 - We can cry out in anguish over the wicked who oppose those who are faithful and for gratitude for our refuge in God’s steadfast love

Ps 39 - We can cry out in repentance when we are suffering in sin and plead for relief from his discipline.

The thing is…God wants us to lift up our voices to him in all ways. He wants us to “pray continually;” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:17&18). He wants us to get to know Him and to share our hearts with him. This is a big part of how we cultivate a relationship with our Lord. Often I find myself getting so stuck on my search for guidance and direction (Psalm 25:4-5), that I neglect all of the other stuff. I get so busy searching for a magic formula or a road map with directions that I forget to just get to know my Lord. This week, I plan to refocus my quiet time – to spend more time in praise, in repentance, in thanks and intercession and a little less time in anguish over the decisions I need to make. I will trust in him to guide me down the path of my life. I will trust in Him that when I do mess up (because I will), He will be there, holding my right hand and counseling me through it.

Psalm 73:23-24
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory

Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe