Psalm 143 — Are You Lost? — Aneel Aranha

LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.
The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.
Answer me quickly, LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.

Have you ever felt lost? Not just in a physical sense, but emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? In this psalm, David expresses a profound sense of being overwhelmed and lost. He pleads, "Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

This isn't just a simple request for directions; it's a heartfelt cry for guidance in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. Despite being a king, a warrior, and a man after God's heart, David often found himself in situations where he didn't know the next step. And in those moments, he turned to God, seeking direction and clarity.

We, too, need to turn to God for guidance and direction. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus isn't just speaking about the path to eternal life; he's also highlighting his role as our guide in this life. When we're lost, confused, or seeking direction, Jesus is the "way."

What's interesting is that both David and Jesus emphasize a relationship. David entrusts his life to God, something that you don't do unless you have a relationship, and Jesus invites us into a relationship with him. It's not about a one-time guidance or a single moment of clarity; it's about ongoing direction, a journey where God continually guides our steps.

So, when you're feeling lost or uncertain about the path ahead, remember David's plea and Jesus' assurance. Seek God's guidance, trust in his direction, and remember that with him, you're never truly lost.

God bless you.