The Lord has been addressing pride in me. Some Scriptures have literally dropped me to my knees as I realized my great sinfulness, specifically pride. He is still showing me to put aside my pride. But today’s passage gives me such a gift of joy. “Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord!” (Ps 25:4-7)

Those verses can be prayed to the Lord, asking for His mercy and to teach us His ways; but we must be humble as we pray that prayer, with our hearts and minds seeking Him and His wisdom, just as Jesus told us to do. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt 6:33)

And David goes on to tell us why we must seek the Lord and His wisdom: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” (Ps 25:8-10) For those who trust in Him, He never does anything eternally hurtful, but always what’s in our best interest. His words and deeds are always right, therefore we can trust God at all times and in every situation. He is so good and upright that He guides sinners to salvation and a life of righteousness.

God leads the humble to do what is right and teaches the humble His truths. “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.” Being humble or meek does not mean being timid, weak, or shy. It refers to strength under control. C. S. Lewis quipped that humble people do not think less of themselves, rather they are people who think of themselves less.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3) Self-will and pride mark unbelievers, but converted sinners realize they cannot journey through life without God’s guidance. The journey presents too many dangers and uncertainties. Therefore, the humble rely on God for direction, and they are not disappointed. We are counseled us to receive God’s instruction: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” (Ps 32:8-9)

We are reminded that “all the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies”. If we stay humble, continue to seek His guidance then all the paths He leads us on are steadfast. However, if we don’t stay humble we will need His correction, which isn’t generally pleasant, but given out of a father’s love. Jesus was very clear in His teaching that He knows those who truly love Him: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We need His help to do that, and the best way is to abide in Him (John 15:4).