Right Paths

 

"I have led thee in right paths" (Proverbs 4:11)

"We only go this way once." Life is brief and life is precious. It is desirable that we live it that one time so as to hold no regrets. God instructs us, "Ponder the path of thy feet" (Prov. 4:26). Our paths should receive earnest attention from us.

A variety of paths seems open before us. Some live one way, some another; and it would appear that we can do as we please. Yet a clear analysis of the situation reveals that there are really only two kinds of paths out there ahead of us: right paths and wrong paths.

The Hebrew word translated "path" in our text really means the furrow made by a wagon or other vehicle. It is plain and visible to the eye, easy to follow. The first half of the text says, "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom," which means that the paths in which the Lord will lead us will always be wise paths and therefore right paths. Conversely, right paths will always be wise paths, and wise paths, plain ones.

If the Lord's ways are always right and wise, then it can never be a mistake to go the way He directs. It is never foolish, not a defeat to genuine personal interests or potentials. God wants to lead and we ought to follow. He will "establish" our ways if we follow Him. Right ways can be established, i.e., made permanent, because they are for the good of all and for the glory of God.

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised, in my Father's house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way. ---Fanny J. Crosby

Let us pray daily for discernment to recognize practical application and wisdom to walk in "right paths."

--Rev. Roger J. Andrus

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

 Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, your unworthy servants, give you humble heartfelt thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for your limitless love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. And, we humbly request, give us a sense of all your mercies, that our heart may be openly thankful, and that we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips but in our life, by giving up ourselves to your service and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

adapted from the Book of Common Prayer