Lead Me Lord
I was never one of those kids that wanted a pony for their birthday. The truth is, I have always been a little afraid of animals that are bigger than me. One year, I went with a group of women to a camp that had horseback riding as one of the activities. I had been on a trail ride or two in my teen years, so when everyone wanted to try the camp’s trail ride, I joined them. I had a sweet, gentle pony in mind, but when I got up to the stables, they gave me the tallest, most giant horse of the bunch! He was also the grouchiest horse. I put on the riding helmet and was placed on the horse with barely any instruction. As the ladies in the group took turns getting settled on their horses, my horse began to get restless. My feeble and amateur attempts at guiding my horse to stay in line failed miserably. After my horse tried to jump the fence, bite my leg, and bite the horse in front of me, I was ready to be done. I was getting images in my mind of being thrown from my horse and trampled. My nerves were shot! So, I quickly got off that horse before the trail ride even began.
The way I see it, there are a few main reasons this horse ride was unsuccessful.
Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” However, this beautiful promise is accompanied by a warning, “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. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD” (Psalm 32:9-10). The Lord promises to lead us, but we still have to choose to follow, surrender, and trust. It is one thing to hear from God; however, we are called to trust His leading and to obey His commands. Keep that thought in mind as you read the following verses:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“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.” Psalm 25:8-10
“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:104-105
The same reasons why my trail ride was an epic fail are the same reasons why I can often lose sight of God’s path for me. I forget that God has promised to lead me. I do not have to know all the answers. I do not need to see the plan; He will lead.
Read the lyrics to “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir as your prayer today. Choose to surrender to the Lord and trust Him to lead you.