The Psalmist had just discovered the foolishness of his own heart. He'd been examining himself and found his heart utterly unreliable—constantly leading him astray. And so he resolved: from now on, God's counsel would guide him.

A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise—when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. Picture a blind man gripping his friend's arm, trusting each step until he reaches home in safety. That's exactly how we should give ourselves up to divine guidance, nothing doubting. We cannot see, but it's always safe to trust the all-seeing God.

"Thou shalt guide me." What a blessed expression of confidence! The Psalmist was certain—absolutely certain—that the Lord would not decline this condescending task. There is a word for you, O believer; rest in it. Be assured that your God will be your counselor and friend. He shall guide you. He will direct all your ways.

And you already have this assurance partly fulfilled—right in your hands! Holy Scripture is God's counsel to you. Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What would the mariner be without his compass? And what would the Christian be without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map where every shoal is described, every channel from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped and marked by One who knows all the way.

Blessed be God that we may trust him to guide us now, and guide us even to the end!

But the Psalmist saw something beyond this lifetime of guidance: "and afterward receive me to glory." What a thought for you, believer! God himself will receive you to glory—you! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring you safe at last to glory!

This is your portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities should surround you, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.