I continue with a brief look at one way you can get into proper perspective the matters in your life through brief reflections on Psalm 23.
The second half of verse 3 says, "He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."
I have talked about how God wants you to rest your body and mind. One main reason for this is because when a person becomes over-tired, over-anxious, overwhelmed, it is much easier to be led astray.
People lose their focus on what truly needs to be done. Mistakes can easily be made, beliefs can become compromised, other sources of comfort or guidance can be pursued – most of which are detrimental.
But when you feed on our Lord’s word, when you drink in his righteousness, when you make the time to let him strengthen you, you become renewed in him, and follow where God leads.
God will always lead and guide you in the right direction in life. He will always help you make the best decisions. He will always give you the right words to say in any situation. All you need to do is remain focused on what, and where, God is leading.
How many times have you been confronted by a difficult situation or a challenging person and said or did what seemed to be the perfect response? It happens. Did you then walk away asking yourself, “Where did that come from?” God gave you the proper words and actions at that moment. And because of that, you gave honor to him because you followed what God gave you.
Each time you do the right and proper thing, you give honor to God’s name. Each time you offer proper and constructive guidance, you bring honor to God’s name. Each time you bite your tongue instead of passing on rumors, or unkind words, or spiteful rhetoric you give honor to God’s name.
As Jesus said in his parable, “Whenever you did these things to the least of these my children, you did it to me.”
Be sure to keep focused on God, follow as he leads you along right paths, and give honor to his name.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Rest to avoid straying