AT THE CROSSROADS

Psalm 25
AT THE CROSSROADS
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths.... (v.4)

When I first arrived in Sao Paulo in Brazil, I was utterly lost. The people spoke Portuguese and the airport layout seemed like a maze. How glad I was to see my friend who came to meet me! He spoke their language and he knew the way out of the arrival hall. When we got out into the streets, I felt safe even though I had not the slightest idea where we were and where we were going, except that it was to his home.

It is not unusual to feel lost at times. When the environment is unfamiliar, and the people strange, or when circumstances change abruptly, we may find ourselves wondering where we are and where we are going. Moses found himself in such a situation. In transit through the vast Sinai wilderness, with a large population of Israelites to lead, he called out to God, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me.... If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you...." (see Ex 33.12-16).

The psalmist here prays the same prayer. We may need at times to ask for directions too. The "ways" and "paths" may refer to crossroad decisions we have to make. Should I leave my present job for another? Should I go abroad for studies? Are we ready to settle down in marriage? Is God calling me to the mission field? We should of course be prayerful in such decision-making.

However, the prayer appears to refer more specifically to walking in God's path of righteousness: "Lead me in a straight path" (Ps 27:11). To be in the position to make wise decisions, we must already be walking aright with God. If we have been straying from the right path, we are likely to get more lost at the junctions. Let us then seek to follow the LORD daily, so that when a forked road appears, we can pray confidently, "Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths."

To be sure of direction at crossroads, follow road signs all the way.