Lead us not into temptation

The first question I pondered on after reading this verse some days ago was “Does God lead me?” or to put it differently “ Am I being led by God?”

In Psalm 23 David portrayed God as a shepherd who was in charge of every aspect of his life. He didn’t even have to think about anything because God provided for him, protected him, directed him and even anointed him. All David had to do in the relationship was just to trust and follow.

The issue is this, when I wake up every morning am I going to just leave my life to God and trust that he has everything under control and anything he does or brings my way is the best?, am I going to take over the reigns and start driving myself? or am I going to let “you know who” drive me?

Being led by God is more about the heart than the location. Life is in phases and there are many times that we can’t control what phase we would be, whether life will be pleasant or painful. The only constant thing however should be our heart, our opinion about who God is and trusting him no matter our circumstance.

Proverbs 3 vs 5 tells us not to lean on our own understanding, that we should “…trust God with all our heart and acknowledge him in all our ways”, but why does life seem so difficult and why do we find ourselves in many unpleasant circumstances even after we feel we are being led by God.

The truth is, like Job, Jesus, Daniel, Joseph, etc., were led through dire circumstances although their individual characters were impeccable. Sometimes we all have to go through these experiences. In summary, what distinguishes us as children of God is not the path or the temptation but it is the heart and the fruits we exhibit.

We decide who leads us: Self, God or the Devil. However, if we are not led by God we are being driven. Driven either by our lusts and passions or by the devil. Romans 8 vs 14 says, “For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God”

Dear God, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.