Introduction

The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the ninth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

Kurt Kechely, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force Steering Committee, shares this meditation from the ELCA’s devotional periodical, “Christ in Our Home.”

Scripture

“For Thou art my rock and my fortress; For thy name’s sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.” “Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth.” —Psalm 31:3,5.

Meditation

Without a doubt, King David had his enemies. Goliath and Absalom come to mind as David prays for God’s protection in Psalm 31. Yet, perhaps his greatest threat came not from without, but from within. The old comic strip, “Pogo,” once had Pogo reporting that “we have met the enemy, and he is us.” We know that David did not always follow God’s lead. With Bathsheba and Uriah, he was his own worst enemy. While David prays that God will lead him and guide him—and God indeed leads and guides—it does little good if he doesn’t follow and obey.

It’s old wisdom that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

God actively leads and guides us. Made in God’s image, we live with a conscience that can discern right and wrong. God gives the law to help us. The life and teachings of Jesus are our model to emulate. God gives us each other for counsel and support. Moreover, God’s Spirit never leaves us. The challenge for us is to yield to God, even when we are tempted to ignore God’s lead and guidance.

Prayer

God of all wisdom, keep me from ignoring your lead and guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.