Do you need help making a decision? Well, you aren’t alone. Many people face difficult decisions and need wisdom and discernment.

Andrew Gaskell left on a Thursday morning to begin a solo hiking trek in the Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia. Somehow Andrew lost his way. He didn’t know which path to take or which way to go. You see, the park has an extensive network of caves, underground rivers, and steep mountains. Ten days later, he was still not back.

Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways O LORD teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

Leaders, have you ever been lost? Don’t know which path to take? Lacking direction? David was, and here’s what he did.

Need Help Making A Decision: Hunt for God

David was looking for answers, so he sought out the one who had them. He calls God, “LORD,” which is his personal name as the God of Israel. I AM WHO I AM is what God told Moses when he asked God his name. God had a covenant with Israel and with David that established him and his descendants. So, David already knew God. He’s asking the all-powerful God to deliver.

David begs three things from God.

One, David asks God to teach him his paths. He’s saying, “God, tell me where to go.” David didn’t know what direction to take. He had lost his way and needed help.

Two, David asks God to tell him the paths to take and show him the paths. He wanted God to point the way. He wanted to see the way.

Three, David asks God to guide him in the truth. Go with me as I live this life of faithfulness to you. Don’t just tell me and show me, come with me. Walk hand in hand as I journey through life.

These paths and ways and this truth can be metaphors for God’s commands, laws, and decrees. They also could be literal paths that David needed to escape his enemies. We know David believes God will help because of what he says later in the chapter. He says God instructs sinners, of which David includes himself. David tells us God guides and teaches the humble. He also educates those who fear him. So even though we sin, if we are humble and fear God, he will do the same for us.

Need Help Making A Decision: Hope in God

David then makes two declarations.

First, he says, “You are God my Savior.” This time David uses the name “God” or ELOHIM, the mighty one, who can save. He placed his hope in God and expected God to save him.

Second, he announces his hope is in God all day long. David hoped not in his abilities or those around him. He didn’t hope in his wealth or fame. David didn’t hope in his power or even help from other nations. He knew all of these things were gifts from God and not his anyway. The only place he could hope was God. Later in the Psalm, David states that his eyes are ever on the LORD.

Well, don’t worry. Andrew was eventually found. It took more than 60 people to search and find him. The Miri Fire and Rescue Department, the police, the civil defense force, and the forest rangers all had a part in putting Andrew back on the right path. The good news for us is that it only takes ONE to help us know which path to take and which way to go. And God is more than willing to help us. Just ask. He’s listening.