Daily Devotional

The Path

My husband, Jim and I spent sometime this morning planning for a path from our patio to the other side of the yard. We measured. We calculated the cost. This brought my attention to Psalm 119 which is packed full of glorious expressions about following God’s path. This passionate Psalm speaks of wholehearted commitment to God, and it also calculates the cost of not following God’s path.

Walk with me through this Psalm.

Vs.1-3: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!”  
Vs. 10: “With my whole heart, I seek you: let me not wander from your commandments!”
Vs. 20, 21: “My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the                insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.”
Vs. 45: “and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.”
Vs.59,60: “When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
                   I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.”
Vs. 102: “I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.”

And of course, the verse we all cherish:
Vs. 105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

In Biblical times, people would tie small oil lamps to their feet with leather strips.
When they walked at night it would throw light to each step they took. Isn’t that what we want as God’s children? Lord please light up every step I take! He will light the way, but I must decide if I will step on God’s path or the world’s path.
 
Vs. 33-35: “Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statues; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.”

Parents: How do we apply this for our children?
1. Teach verse 105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Tie a small tea light or small flashlight to their shoes and walk in the evening to show them the history of how they used to walk at night during Biblical times. Talk about the fact they have a choice to follow the light or stumble in the darkness and get hurt.

2. Make a path or add to a path in your yard. Post a couple scriptures from Psalm 119 to remind them of this lesson.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.