The Verses of Branch Schools: Psalm 25:4

Branch Schools is beginning a new blog series this spring to take a closer look at some of the Bible verses used in past newsletters, posts on Facebook, and more. Read on to learn more about these verses, why they were chosen, and what they mean to Branch Schools!
 
Psalm 25:4 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”
 
This verse is one of Branch Schools’ most recent; shared on Facebook at the beginning of Lent this March. It was the first in an ongoing weekly series to reflect on the Bible throughout this Lenten season. But why this particular verse?

Branch Schools faced numerous challenges and difficult decisions in 2021. One significant question occurred over the spring as the possibility arose of opening a fifth school. Branch Schools had been asked by a congregation in Les Palmes to open a preschool/kindergarten for the estimated 30 children at that age in the village. This was a great and exciting opportunity, but earthly insecurities brought uncertainty to the decision. Would Branch Schools have the financial ability to ensure the new school’s growth? Could a fifth school be supported without sacrificing anything at the existing four schools? Would there continue to be children to attend in the years to come?

These questions helped guide the discussion around this opportunity. It was important to Branch Schools that the responsibility to provide for the schools was considered very carefully, and that we examined how the many gifts given to us by God could best be used to serve His kingdom. Branch Schools prayed for wisdom to answer these questions, as well as continuing assurance to help remind us that God was in control. Since we know and trust in God’s grace, we are confident that He will provide even if we face earthly anxieties.
 
David wrote Psalm 25, along with several other psalms, in a time of hardship and uncertainty. Though we don’t have exact historical context for when David wrote this psalm, his words are a prayer of trust in God’s promises and a call for guidance. David faced many enemies during his time as king, and he continuously asked God to save and protect him and his people. Later in the psalm, we are assured that God does not leave our prayers unanswered: “The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them” (Psalm 25:14). David takes solace in God’s plan, trusting in Him to make a way. He knows that God is willing to teach him His paths because He is merciful and forgiving of David’s sinfulness. “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust…my hope, Lord, is in you.” (Psalm 25:1,21)
 
After many discussions, plans, ideas, answers, and especially prayers, Branch Schools moved forward with the opening of the Les Palmes preschool/kindergarten. The school launched in fall 2021 with 40 young students, and we continue to be amazed and overjoyed at the blessings poured down on Les Palmes! This Lenten season, we can boldly ask God to show us His path for us because we know He gives us what is best for us. As we bring our sins before God and look eagerly ahead to the Easter resurrection, we pray again for God to teach us His ways, that His will be done, not ours.
 
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord, is in you.
(Psalm 25:20-21)