Gospel Reflections #992: We just cannot follow God in our own strength

Psalm 17:5 ‘I have followed your ways; I have walked in your paths without wavering.’

This is a passage from a prayer in which David, whilst in the midst of suffering, pleads his innocence and faithfulness to God.

David confesses that he has firmly aligned his steps with the ‘way’ (the Law and the Word) shown by God, rather than following his own will or emotions.

In the Bible, ‘slipping’ or ‘wavering’ signifies falling into sin or a wavering of faith.

This expresses a strong conviction that, even when faced with unjust attacks from enemies or threats to his life, he never lost his trust in God nor once strayed from the moral path.

These words are not mere self-justification, but are based on complete trust in God’s fair judgement: ‘Lord, since I have walked so earnestly, please hear my righteous plea.’ 

Furthermore, this passage teaches us the importance of remaining true to God’s values (the Way), rather than conforming to those around us, even when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances. 

Our faith wavers depending on our circumstances and the state of our hearts.

What David emphasises is that even in the most critical moments, whilst complaining and grumbling to God, he nevertheless chooses to turn towards God, draw near to God, and rely on God.

When we realise that we cannot follow God in our own strength and choose to entrust ourselves to Him, God accepts us, guides us, and enables us to move forward step by step without wavering.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.