“Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.”
— Psalm 27:11
My fellow chaplain shared this piece, and I would like to share it with you as well. Life does not come with a manual that tells us exactly what to do, how to do it, and what to avoid. Much of what we learn comes from our parents, friends, as well as from our own mistakes. Interestingly, we often learn more from our own mistakes than from our successes. And often, what we learn we learn early in life.
In fact, as Robert Fulghum famously wrote in his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, many of life’s most important lessons—sharing, kindness, honesty, forgiveness—are taught to us at the very beginning. Yet, as we grow older, we realize how much we still need God’s teaching, guidance, and protection to truly live them out.
Story
King David, who wrote Psalm 27, understood this truth deeply. Before he became king, he was a shepherd boy facing dangers, enemies, and trials. Scholars believe this psalm was written during a very difficult period when his life was under constant threat. Yet, rather than fixing his gaze on his enemies, David turned his focus to God—his light, salvation, and fortress.
Reflection
In this short verse, we see David humbly admitting three things that many of us can relate to:
- I don’t know how to live, so teach me.
- I make mistakes, so lead me.
- I’m afraid, so protect me.
This honest prayer shows us that wisdom begins with admitting our limitations. It takes humility to say, “I don’t know” or “I can’t do this alone.” But that humility opens the door for God’s guidance, forgiveness, and protection.
Whatever season you are in—whether facing uncertainty, regret, or fear—God is present, ready to teach, lead, and protect. The same God who was David’s refuge is ours today.
Scriptures
“Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.”
— Psalm 27:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6
Prayer
Lord, teach me how to live. Lead me on Your path when I feel lost, and protect me when fear surrounds me. Help me to trust in You, my light and my salvation. Amen.
A Song to Reflect On
The timeless hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” beautifully expresses the heart of this prayer: a daily, moment-by-moment dependence on God’s presence, wisdom, and strength. Its simple words remind us that we need God not just in seasons of trouble but in every breath of life.