A new path of blessing

A new way

At a certain point in the history of the people of Israel, the Israelites were faced with a new phase in their lives: They were to leave the desert, cross the Jordan and enter the land of Canaan. So they had to go down a new and unknown path.

God Himself would go before them on this new path, saying: "...in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before" (Jos. 3:4).

There are times when God unexpectedly leads us on a new path - an unfamiliar path - a path we have not taken before. Then we have to let go and walk this new path in trust in the Lord - even if this path is perhaps still desolate and confusing for us.

I think of the words God says in Isaiah 43: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" (Is. 43:19).

A path of blessing

If we consciously take this new path with the Lord, then we can go forward courageously! Why? Because it’s a path of blessing. It was once said of Jehoshaphat: "His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD" (2 Chr. 17:6).

In Jeremiah 6, God's people are told to ask what the good way is and to walk in it. Then they would find rest for their souls (see Jer. 6:16).

This is also true for each one of us! God has a good way for you. A path of blessing. A path where you have God by your side.

This is the way you can be truly happy. As it sys in Psalms 128:1: "Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!" (Ps. 128:1).

God has set you on the path of life. It’s a path that leads to heaven. It’s a path that takes us to our destination. And it’s a path on which we grow spiritually.

Solomon wrote about this path and said, "The path of life leads upward for the prudent" (Prov. 15:24).

And in chapter 4 it says: "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day" (Prov. 4:18).

Our great Lord Jesus, the beginner and perfecter of faith, has walked this path before us. Psalm 16 shows us something of it. It was a way of dependence and trust; a way of humility and holiness; a way of testing and fellowship with God.

It was a way that led Him through death to resurrection, so that He could confidently say: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Ps. 16:11).

That is also our goal. The way of life leads us into the presence of the Lord, where there is no more suffering, pain or sorrow. Where fullness of joy awaits us when we are finally with Him and will see Him as He is!

J.P.S.

Article series: God has a way for you