Articles
Teach Me Thy Way
“Teach me Your way, O LORD…” (Psa. 27:11)
“That is music to my ears” is a common phrase for something that pleases someone. If taken literally, then let us ponder on what is music to God’s ears? The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name” (Heb. 13:15). Likewise, the Apostle Paul instructs us to learn from what we sing (cf. Col. 3:16). So let us look at the hymn, “Teach Me Thy Way”.
Repetition can seem unnecessary; however, imploring the Lord to act in our lives is a different matter. This hymn begins by expressing the intense desire to receive instruction from God. The display of humility shows that the writer acknowledges their lack of direction without guidance from the Lord. David expressed this need continuously throughout his psalms (cf. Psa. 25:4f; 86:11). Additionally, Psalm 119 is filled with the intense desire to know God through His Word.
With the foundation laid of understanding that teaching comes from the Lord, the composer confesses that God supplies the grace necessary for one to learn how to live (cf. Titus 2:11ff). Knowing and doing something, of course, are two entirely different things. Guidance is required, and proper instruction is key to walking on the right path (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16f). Accepting this instruction will find oneself on the straight and narrow path that leads to heaven (cf. Matt. 7:13f).
Another element in this hymn is the reality of hardship. Hardship takes on different forms, and one of those is emotional turmoil. Being torn inside—we can’t think or see straight. Thankfully, the Lord has promised to always be there for His people (cf. Heb. 13:5f). Furthermore, knowing this fact, we can maintain the thinking that the Apostle Paul held in life—finding contentment in all circumstances (cf. Phil. 4:11ff).
Verse 3 stresses the fact that storms in this life will arise. These natural forces can be fearsome and powerful. Sometimes we can see them coming on the horizon, while at others, there is no indication. Doubt is a storm that can cause disaster. Jesus knew how to handle both the physical and spiritual storms (cf. Matt. 8:23ff, 14:22ff). Walking with Him will provide the necessary light when darkness surrounds us (cf. 1 Jn. 1:5ff).
Life is short in comparison to eternity (cf. Psa. 90:10ff; Jas. 4:14). The Apostle John wrote, “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1Jn. 2:17). It may seem that this life is dragging on, but contemplate what is to come. Each person is part of a marathon, which will one day end. All of us must strive to complete the race that is before us. Moreover, many have completed their race and won (cf. Heb. 12:1f). Let us strive to win our race (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24ff; 2 Tim. 4:7f).
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us” (2 Thess. 2:15). When someone teaches us the Truth, then we must apply it in our daily lives. Part of this is to pass along to others what we have learned (cf. Matt. 28:18ff).
We will never stop learning in this life. There is always more to learn because mankind does not know everything. Whatever we believe or hear someone say: God is the only ONE that knows all (cf. Deut. 29:29). God’s Word provides the wisdom that we need to make it through this life. The Father gives it to those who ask (cf. Jas.1:5). He is the reason that we should cry out, “Teach Me Thy Way!”
