Walking in the light of God’s word is not just a matter of knowing where
to go; it requires great courage. The
“narrow path” is scary, full of intimidating enemies. At the same time, God’s people are not only
looking for protection; they are looking to advance in the face of those
fearsome situations. If you wonder about
this, just read The Acts of the Apostles
in the New Testament and see how the very men who ran from danger in the garden
of Gethsemane later fearlessly preached the gospel in a hostile world.
Perhaps that is the kind of context this stanza has in mind. The Psalmist fears being ashamed of the One
in Whom he hopes (114-115). He is
concerned with safety (117). He does not
want the outcome of those who stray from the truth (118-119). It is no time for the ambivalence of the
double-minded (113). He needs God to be
his “hiding place” and “shield” (114).
Do we not find this to be our situation?
We desire to know God’s will for our lives and in specific
situations. Then God’s word shines it’s
light on our path and feet, only to reveal that the next step is fearful. We may hesitate; we may even take the
seemingly easy way around, only to find that we have missed God’s blessing.
Our Lord, in the hour before His greatest trial, was on His knees before
His Father in Gethsemane. The disciples
who ran were not, though Jesus had warned them of the need for courage in the
face of the coming temptation (Mt. 26:41).
The Psalmist prays for that which he must have in the face of
trial. First, “uphold me” (116) so I
have the backbone to face the onslaught of the enemy. Then, “hold me” (117) so I can be safely
protected. God does both as our hiding
place and shield.
What a blessing to know that God not only leads us but He provides for
us as we follow the way He lays out for us.
Is your pathway treacherous? Bow
before the Lord and plead His mercy and grace to help that you might boldly
walk the path He has laid out for you.
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