On the Right Path
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“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Just the other day, I was driving back from another town, not familiar with the back rural roads. The main road was closed due to a flash flood. No detour paths were marked. I whipped out my cell phone and called up the built in maps application, quickly finding a way around and back to where I needed to be.
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Before long I was safe and sound, back on familiar roads. In the age of GPS systems and internet maps, it is easier to stay on track and get to our destinations. We no longer have to drive in circles afraid to ask directions. A quiet voice can tell us exactly what is ahead, how long it will take us to get there and when to turn. If we make a wrong turn, it compensates and finds the best way back to the correct path.
If only life was that easy! In life, paths are important. We talk about making a beeline to get somewhere we want to quickly, about going from point A to point B. We discourage bunny trials that get us off the path of our conversations, and teach our children to follow the straight and narrow path or to choose their career path.
When we veer of the path, we get into trouble, don’t we? We get turned around, lose our bearings and enter into unknown territory that may be unsafe. There are ways, however, to navigate around the hardships, ways to stay on course and not get lost. It’s called following God’s ways.
During this season of Advent, leading up to Christmas, we hear about John the Baptist calling out to make a path in the wilderness because the Lord is coming. Elsewhere in the Psalms it says that God’s Word is a light onto our path. (Psalm 119:105). God’s wisdom is what can direct us along our life’s path. But it is up to us to follow the directions. We can choose to use it or wander around on our own. That’s what free will is all about.
When we follow Christ, we have our own living, breathing spiritual GPS – God’s Protective Spirit – to guide us down the paths in our lives. That still, quiet voice can steer us, if we let it. We stay in His presence. There is more joy, more fulfillment and purpose to our life. We feel more sure on our feet, dodge more obstacles or quickly find ways around them. His right hand is always in reach to grab hold of if we need it.
Questions: This season, will you examine your path and make way for the Lord? What would happen if you do, or don’t?
About the Author Julie Cosgrove
thank you
if i look too far ahead on the path, i experience too much anxiety. When i get an idea i simply look at it, discuss it with the LORD and then release it. Sometimes, when it returns, i ponder it some more and continue to release it back to HIM. Since too many times i’ve gotten “ideas” and when i took them too much to heart, they never came to pass. It was like i was counting way too much on that one thought. Too many times these ideas came from my own natural individuality and not the plan of the LORD. Too many times i just don’t trust the ideas which come to me so… the better thing for me… is too let them go like a balloon acsending into the sky. i wake up each day and follow the steps into the night time, doing what is put in front of me, waiting for the answers with hope and quietness. IF God wants it to happen, i let Him make the way. i don’t force any “dreams” to come true anymore. This way i live a much more peaceful and content life. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing about the choices we may make in taking the path of life. I am also thankful for God’s Mercy & Grace when I may choose the less than best route. He is there to forgive me and then I will have the option to move forward.
Beautifully put.
Amen! This encouraged my soul! Thank you for sharing! May Jesus bless you Abundantly Julie! :)