JULY 21
Psalm 143:8, “Make me know the way I should go.”
Psalm 143 speaks to David’s deep desperation and dependence on God as he faces overwhelming distress. Surrounded by enemies and crushed in spirit, he doesn’t appeal to his own righteousness, but pleads for God’s mercy and, above all, for divine direction. Again and again, David cries out for God to lead him: “Make me know the way I should go” (Psalm 143:8), “Teach me to do your will” (Psalm 143:10), and “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10). These repeated requests reveal more than a desire for deliverance—they reflect a heart that longs to be guided, a trust that only God can lead him safely along.
That reminds me of a day my dad and I drifted down the South Santiam River in my drift boat. Early on, we lost a nice steelhead—a disappointing start—but we pressed on into unfamiliar waters. I had read about the various water diversions in that stretch of river, where canals branch off for city and agricultural use. Some of the channels looked promising, but a wrong turn could have sent us into a dead end or a farmer’s field instead of toward the boat takeout downstream. It wasn’t always clear which way to go. Thankfully, we made the right choices and stayed on course.
Life is filled with similar moments—forks in the river, choices that can alter our direction in big or small ways. And though we’re often tempted to rely on our own instincts or understanding, difficulty has a way of humbling us and reminding us how deeply we need to be led. David understood that. He trusted God not only to rescue him but to guide him. He leaned on the Spirit to show him the way forward. Paul echoes this same truth when he writes, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us… according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26–27).
Success in life’s journey isn’t found in simply pushing forward—it’s found in knowing and doing the will of God. To do that, we need the Spirit to guide us. Like David, we pray with open hearts, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go.” Because only God truly knows what lies ahead and the way we should go.
“He does not lead me year by year, nor even day by day, but step by step. My steps are ordered.” — Dwight L. Moody
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: In what areas of your life are you currently trying to navigate without seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to pause and genuinely ask, as David did, “Lord, make me to know the way I should go?”
LookingtoJesus 