I am always looking for the map or directions as I proceed. In fact, each day I pray for guidance as I move through that day in into the next. I know that I cannot make it without a path to travel, otherwise I would be wandering aimlessly looking for something that I am not sure what is or where it might be found.
I am looking for joy and it is found on the path as I move toward God. That path, even though it is there for me to walk along, I still need to know exactly where to step in order that I will have shore footing and solid ground. That path is provided by God and His light and truth.
“3Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!”
— Psalm 43:3 (ESV)
Notice in the words of the singer from Psalm, the path is provided and the guardrails to keep on the path are the light and truth of God. He gives the path for us to follow as we work toward the reward, and He also provides the view of the firm path and guardrails to keep us on the path. Our focus on the path will ensure that we are able to stay on it.
As I write, I keep thinking of the path that God has provided for us and I see that when I keep my eyes on the path and my heart headed in that direction, it is difficult to wander off of that path. I have the light of the LORD to allow me to see the firmness of the path, and I have the truth of the LORD to keep me on that path. With my focus there, I will have to work at getting off the path, or be distracted and purposely leave the path in pursuit of something other than that which is provided by God. When having a narrow focus on God, I will find Him just as with any other narrow focus.
The path provided by God leads to joy, as noted in verse four below.
“4Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.”
— Psalm 43:4 (ESV)
It is about what are we seeking and that will lead us to find it. I am seeking joy in my life and that is the path that is provided by God. He gives me His light to see the path and step as I go, and He gives me His truth to ensure that I am able to stay on the path. When we are seeking something other than joy, we are distracted by those things and that leads us off the path. We actively turn away from the light and the truth and hop the guardrail where things are not secured by the LORD.
What are you seeking in your life? Are you on the path to joy provided by the LORD? What if you were to focus on the lighted path with the guardrails from the LORD as you seek joy that only He can provide?
Trevor's Thoughts 