Archives for June 30, 2019

Devotion

1He leadeth me: oh, blessed thought!
Oh, words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain
He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
by his own hand he leadeth me.
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.

2Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
by waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain

3Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,
nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see,
since ’tis my God that leadeth me. Refrain

4And when my task on earth is done,
when by thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me. Refrain

Text: Joseph H. Gilmore, 1834-1918

This week's readings have all been about following. Their words have explored what it means to be chosen by God (1 Kings 19); how we can express our trust in God (Psalm 16); why we are free to follow in faith (Galatians 5); and where Jesus is taking us (Luke 9). But you can't be a follower without someone to follow. And you can't invite others to follow with you unless you can make a convincing case that you're headed in the right direction.

So why do you follow Jesus? Take some time to mull it over, and jot down your best two or three reasons. They don't have to be complicated or overly theological. They just have to be true for you. Because the beautiful thing is, the One we follow promises to lead each of us—wherever we may be, and however we may need to be led.