Psalm 5:8 – Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. (NLT)

One wintry day, my husband and I were walking at the golf course, which has a trail that, along much of its way, parallels the river to our left. We hoped to see some overwintering river birds. At first, however, the river wasn't visible. Suddenly, we came to a fork in the trail, but we knew from previous walks that we were supposed to keep to the right, the main trail.

Terry decided he wanted to get closer to the river sooner, so we took the left trail. We followed it easily, but after a while, it dwindled to nothing. No footprints in the snow showed us where to go next. "I know the main trail is just over to our right," said my resolute husband. "We just have to get back to it." After a lot of traipsing through the bush, getting snow inside our boots and stumbling over hidden sticks, we finally found the main path again.

In Scripture, the words "path" or "way" are pictures of the life course that God sets out before us, or the one that we ourselves choose to follow. We have to make a decision. When we are in tune with the Lord, we can hear His guidance. "Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21 NLT)

John 14:6 – Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (NLT)

When we make the decision through Jesus, we find ourselves on the right path, the one that leads to eternal life. Jesus told His disciples that He is the only way to the Father.

Matthew 7:13a,14 – Don't look for shortcuts to God. … The way to life — to God! — is vigorous and requires total attention. (MSG)

Keeping to the path in the woods on the right would have led us by the river eventually. We needn't have wasted time and effort by looking for a shortcut.

God's Word is our roadmap. It guides and illuminates our journey through life.

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (NLT)

We don't have to see a great distance ahead. The Lord illuminates only the way just before us. We have enough light, or guidance, for the moment.

Psalm 23:3b-4 – He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (NLT)

Let us continue this new year rejoicing that it is the Lord Who leads us on the right path!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your leading, guidance, and protection. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.