He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
The British hymn writer William Cowper (1731-1800) often suffered great mental anguish. At times, he even considered taking his own life. One night in such a mood he hailed a horse-driven cab and asked to be taken to the Thames River, but the city of London was blanketed with such a thick fog that the driver lost his way. At last, Cowper leaped impatiently from the carriage, determined to find his watery grave unassisted. Groping through the fog, he was astonished when he discovered that he was back at his own doorstep! Falling to his knees, he thanked the Lord for the fog He had sent over London, which had prevented him from committing suicide.
Knowing that God in His grace had misdirected the cab driver, Cowper wrote these memorable words: “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. You fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and will break in blessing on your head!”
God has a purpose in everything that comes into your life and mine. We may not be able to comprehend the “why” of things at the present, but someday in heaven we shall see how God led us even in times of great distress.
God’s sure hand is ever leading;
Lift the curtain of despair,
For however deep life’s shadows,
You will find your Father there. —Chambers
You don’t need to see the way
if you stay close to the One who does.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Insight
Unquestionably the most beloved of all the psalms, Psalm 23 reminds us of the continuing care of the Shepherd for His flock. What makes it all the more interesting is that the psalmist, David, begins by telling us about the trustworthiness of the Shepherd. Before long, however, his attention shifts. When he speaks of the Shepherd’s provision, he is bearing witness
of God’s faithfulness. But when David remembers the “valley of the shadow,” he addresses the Lord Himself and acknowledges His faithful guidance during life’s darkest moments.
