Direct My Path, O Lord!

Tuesday: Psalm 5:8-11—Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Have you ever felt like you have been labeled a target for someone else’s shooting practice?  Are there times when you have tried to be a peacemaker and attempted to do the right thing, yet you are personally attacked and accused of malicious motives? The prayer of David written down as Psalm 5 shows us that David, too, felt attacked at times in his life.  Yes, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not the first to experience adversity or the threat of the Enemy.  We can also learn from his prayer so that we are better equipped to handle the adversity that comes into our lives.  David prayed for God to lead him down a path of righteousness.  He prayed for his enemies’ intrigues to turn against them.  He declared the Lord as his refuge. Praying in this way can bring us comfort, peace, and direction during our own periods of adversity.

Today as you pray and meditate on His Word, thank God for being your refuge and source of peace. Pray for Him to illuminate your path and lead you in His way. Open your life to His loving protection, and trust Him to reveal His Victory through you.