Do you know what road you're on?
The Bible talks about two different roads in life. There's the path of blessing and the path of destruction. Have you ever thought about the path you are following?
A path is a series of choices. One mistake, one poor thought, one negative act: those are steps. Not much damage can be done with a single step; but a series of mistakes, poor thoughts, and negative acts can land you in a heap of trouble or a pit of misery. Likewise, one good choice, one good thought, one good deed is a step in the right direction; and continuing on the right path will take you to good places.
Every day is a series of choices. Some people make a lot of bad choices every day. Some make a lot of good choices. And some dance around a lot. A good step here, a bad step there—they mostly go in circles.
When we think of following a specific path in life, we often think in terms of big goals and destinations: Making the team. Winning the championship. Getting good grades. Getting into college. Having a great career. You have a goal in mind and take the necessary steps to get there. You would never consider doing the opposite. You don't settle for going in circles. You're focused. You have a destination and take the best path.
But when it comes to daily life, to living a path of blessing or one of misery and pain, we don't think so much about the road we're on. We often end up somewhere, look around, and think, How did I get here? This isn't the kind of life I want to be living, so why am I?
Jesus talked about the "narrow road" and the "wide path". (Matthew 7:13-14) The wide path is easy to follow but leads to places you don't want to be. It's easy to go along with the crowd. It's easy to do what your friends are doing. It's easy to speak an unkind word here and ignore a need there. It's easy to lie or break the rules or do whatever feels good.
But the narrow road leads to life, blessings, and happiness. It's harder because a lot of good choices are necessary. It's easier to hate than to love. It's easier to hold a grudge than to forgive. It's easier to be mean than to be nice. It's easier to ignore the truth than to listen. It's easier to complain than to have a helpful attitude. It's easier to give in than to stand your ground. It's easier to give up than to hope for better days.
But here's the good news. The narrow road is so much better, and you don't have to walk the path alone. In Psalm 25, David cried out to God this prayer: Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
It's a life of blessing and joy. If that's what you desire, you can have it! Jesus will show you the right steps to take. He will give you specific instructions. He will lead you. He will teach you. He will save you when you're tempted to go another way. He will help you to make the harder choice. All day long you can put your hope in Him, and He will be there every step of the way—even to pick you up when you fall and carry you when you can't take another step.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
