Psalm 25:4-5 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

⁵ Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
    teach me your paths.
⁵ Lead me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God of my salvation;
    for you I wait all the day long.

I have a friend that would often say “Take me kicking and screaming into your will O Lord.”

I never really understand why someone who knows the Lord would voice this opinion which sounds so much like rebellion. Then as I read a friends devotional with Psalm 25:4 in the ESV those two words “make me” rung out deep in me. I belong to the Lord. As my Lord He has the right to do with me as He wills. I acknowledge that there are times when He uses my body to serve His good pleasure without so much as a please and thank you. He doesn’t have to, He is my Lord and I am His to command.

My friend’s outcry was honest. What struck me at his repeating it over the years was that he still felt that way even after learning the Way of the Lord. It might be that he felt like he still has some flesh that needs to be brought into submission but don’t we all? None of us are perfect.

What keeps us from walking just a little bit better each day since we know Him and love Him?

In my friend I see a self-image that fears he is not making the progress he expects of himself. It is that Romans 7 confession by Paul that he knows right but just cannot find the strength to do right. I see it but the end of that chapter has a great lesson.

Do not rely on your own strength. Lean on the Lord.