Psalm 23 Covenant PromisesSample

Psalm 23:3b He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Verse three tells us He guides us in the path of righteousness for His Namesake. Paths of righteousness mean “right paths.” We can trust that He will put us on the right path. If we trust God, lean not to our own understanding, and acknowledge Him, He will direct our path for His Namesake. He does it for His name’s sake—that His name will not be dishonored. Have you ever heard a grandfather introduce his grandson by saying, “This is my little namesake?” We are God’s namesake, named after Him. Just as a bride takes on her husband’s name, we have taken on God’s name. He leads us on the right path for His sake; He also does it for our sake. If we allow Him, He will pick us up and put us on the right pathways.

Nothing reveals our character more than that of a sheep. That’s why God refers to Himself as our Shepherd. Sheep have no sense of direction and need a shepherd to lead them. They tend to stray, and if one sheep goes in the wrong direction, the others will follow along. Like sheep, we tend to stray easily by the world’s influence. So until we submit ourselves totally to the Good Shepherd and look to Him daily to lead us down the right pathways, we will continue to stray. The Shepherd who takes us down the right paths describes Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness.

He offers us His righteousness and His guidance. We cannot do this on our own or for ourselves. If you have strayed from His paths, ask the Lord today to guide and lead you on the right path for your life.