1. Teach me Your paths
Psalm 25

2. Teach me Your paths
God wants us to involve Him in the major decisions of our lives
But how are we to discern God’s guidance in important matters- the roads and routes of our lives?
This Psalm gives us six steps that we can use to faithfully guide us

3. Prayer and submission (v 1 - 2)
Teach me Your paths
Prayer and submission (v 1 - 2)
David submits himself to God in this opening prayer
We lift up our souls – we pray
We need to have an attitude that we will not only listen for God’s direction but we will also follow it when it comes
Pray for both guidance and protection on the road that God shows us

4. Teach me Your paths Clear the way (v 7, 18, 19)
We need to ensure that there is nothing in our behaviour, thoughts or attitudes that may block us clearly hearing the Lord
No room for selfish ambitions
No room for covetous desires
Be honest with ourselves if we have weaknesses that need to be dealt with before we can move on
We pray for God to guide us, not for Him to rubberstamp our own plans

5. Teach me Your paths Use the Scriptures(v 5)
God will never ask us to do something that is contrary to His Word
There is guidance on our attitudes to such things as:
our use of money
seeking God’s Kingdom above all else
whom we should not become yoked to (can apply to jobs as well as relationships)
things which may be lawful but not beneficial for us (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23)

6. Consider the options (v 9)
Teach me Your paths
Consider the options (v 9)
Personal discernment
If we are humble in our attitudes God will guide us
If any man lack wisdom he should ask the Lord (James 1:5)
God has given us a “sound mind” with which to make decisions (2 Timothy 1:7)
Sanctified common sense

7. God overrules circumstances (v 8, 12)
Teach me Your paths
God overrules circumstances (v 8, 12)
Two words for “teach” in the Psalm
v 4, 5 and 9 – gain understanding
v 8,12 – guide, point out, direct
Don’t be alarmed at minor setbacks to our plans – God may still be at work
Don’t lay too great a store by coincidences – make sure the other steps still point in a particular direction

8. Teach me Your paths Feeling assured (v 14)
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit
“A sitting down in intimate consultation”
This should be the final stage – are we at peace about a decision?
Remember Jeremiah’s warning – the heart is deceitfully wicked...(Jeremiah 17:9)

9. Teach me Your paths So what about us? Rejoice that God is with us
Rejoice that God wants to be involved in our lives
Rejoice that He has a perfect plan
Submit to His plan and His ways and He will guide us
Ensure we use every means He has made available to us to guide us