AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS
Greetings church family!
This week, as we are studying Psalm 23, I want to share an excerpt with you from Haddon Robinson's book TRUSTING THE SHEPHERD. I pray that you are blessed by his insights.
"Many authors have pictured human beings as weary travelers journeying across the wilderness called life. A variety of paths lie before us, and for the most part, we wander on, bewildered, following the first path that attracts us. When we discover that it ends in rocks and thickets, we back off and try another one. We often lament, “If only I knew what to do!” Like sheep, we go astray, wandering our own unguided way.
Yet throughout the centuries millions have testified that in the middle of such uncertainty, they have received guidance from God. David tells us that his Shepherd “leads [us] in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (nkjv). Actually, the Hebrew states, “He leads me in the right paths.” On many occasions David must have wondered what to do next. As a farmer, a soldier, and a politician, he lived with the complexity of life and the bewilderment common to all of us. Yet he declares, “I shall not want for guidance.”
In the Near East many paths are etched into the terrain. Some have been worn into the landscape by the feet of many travelers; others have been created by winds blowing across the land; and some have been carved out by robbers who want to lead the unsuspecting traveler or shepherd astray and steal his goods or his flock. To the untrained eye these latter two look like real paths; but if you follow them, they lead nowhere or into danger.
David testifies, “He leads me in the right paths.” When God guides us, it is not simply to the right places, but to the right kind of life. When it comes to making decisions, we often want to know whether we should take the job in Dallas or move to Chicago; if we should spend our lives in Africa or Latin America. But God’s leading is not primarily to location or vocation. Rather, He leads us to a right life and a mature, godly character.
Years ago I was faced with five different opportunities, all at the same time. At first I was bewildered at the choices. God seemed to be saying, “Before you lie five paths—I dare you to find the right one.” But I believed that God was perfectly able to guide me in the choices I had to make. He did, and what I learned was that God’s will was not primarily focused on the place He wanted me to be or the job He wanted me to take.
I do not know of any passage in the Bible that tells us whether we should attend college next year or take a new position or get married or go to California. But the Bible clearly reveals God’s plan for us. Would you like to know God’s will for your life today? The Scriptures tell you. For example, His will for you is, “in every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And God’s will for you is your “sanctification.” That’s a large word; but it simply means that we are set apart for His purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:3). God’s guidance has to do with what we are, not where we are. If we are what God wants us to be, He will have no trouble placing us where He wants us to be. We do not have to be plagued by decisions if we stay close to the Shepherd. He leads us in the right paths and they are paths of righteousness."
Church family, I look forward to sharing the conclusion of our study of Psalm 23 this Sabbath. Like David, may you experience the joy of God's leading in your life. In the process, may it be etched in your mind and heart that God is for you, God is with you, and God loves you!
Chris Morris
