Our Daily Bread June 1
Needing His Leading/By:Bill Crowder From the ends of the earth I call to you.
Psalm 61:2
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 61 (NIV):
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5 For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Uncle Zaki was more than a friend to scholar Kenneth Bailey; he was his trusted guide on challenging excursions into the vast Sahara. By following Uncle Zaki, Bailey says that he and his team were demonstrating their complete trust in him. In essence, they were affirming, “We don’t know the way to where we are going, and if you get us lost we will all die. We have placed our total trust in your leadership.”
In a time of great weariness and heartache, David looked beyond any human guide, seeking direction from the God he served. In Psalm 61:2 we read, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” He longed for the safety and relief of being ushered afresh into God’s presence (vv. 3–4).
God’s guidance in life is desperately needed for people the Scriptures describe as sheep that have “gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6). Left to ourselves, we would be hopelessly lost in the desert of a broken world.
But we are not left to ourselves! We have a Shepherd who leads us “beside quiet waters,” refreshes our souls, and guides us (Psalm 23:2–3). Where do you need His leading today? Call on Him. He will never leave you.
Today’s Hynms:
All the Way My Saviour Leads Me
He leadeth me
Scripture to Respond:
Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)
17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,who directs you in the way you should go.
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Reflection:
Have you ever felt lost and hopeless? If you seek God for guidance, God will direct you as a shepherd, are you willing to follow His guidance?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Shepherd and Guide. Help me to believe in You and trust Your wisdom, let Your Spirit guide me through various circumstances in life.
Wong Wai Tung (Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) & Sam Chow (Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) Translated by Esther Leung
