We reach a turning point with God when our “show me” changes from a demand for proof to a humble request for guidance: “Show me
your roads, Lord! Teach me your ways” [v. 4].
“Show me” (hodieni) is the causative form of the verb “know.” Cause me to know, Lord, bring to awareness, apprise me, cause me to be
concerned about, inform me, and—a last connotation—give me the signal.
“Remember not the sins of my youth,” sounds expected; the parallel, though, is not a request to remember my virtues but to, “Remember
me according to your love (chesed) Lord; for the sake of your goodness, Lord” [v. 7]. Not our goodness, but God's, saves us.
This goodness connects to God's teaching: “Good and honest is the Lord; therefore (God) instructs sinners in the road.... guides the
humble in justice...teaches humble ones (God's) road” [vv. 8-9].
Love shows the way.
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What way is the Lord showing me now? And what way can I show God my love?
1. How does God show you things? [vv. 3-4]. Give 2-3 different examples.
2. Have vv. 7-12 and vv. 15-21 dialog with each other. What is the result?
3. How would you experience vv. 5-6, 15-19 as having been heard? How would you know you were forgiven and remembered?
©1997, Patricia Caplan Andrews; limited license to reproduce for use in licensed congregation only. Published by LeaderResources.
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