“He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”
A good guide has a destination and knows the best way to get there. A great guide not only gets you there but makes sure the journey itself is pleasant. The destination for our life as a believer is eternity with God. But, The Good Shepherd desires that you go through this life in “paths of righteousness”. Heaven will be a wonderful blessing and it is one that we look forward to but this life is to be a blessing as well. This happens when we follow our guide in righteousness.
What differentiates a righteous path? Is it a path that is full of good works? In the Scriptures it tells us that righteous deeds are a testimony of a believers relationship with God. Jesus said, “by their fruits you will know them”. However, the Bible also tells us that these “good deeds” are the result of a right relationship to God. Righteousness in the Word is about the state of our relationship to God. To be right with God is to be righteous. Good works are the natural “fruit” of that restored relationship.
So, today we allow our beloved Psalm 23 to take us to the cross again. It is through the sacrifice of the cross that we can have right relationship with our Shepherd. Our sin breaks fellowship with God. When Jesus died on the cross He removed the barrier of sin that kept us from righteousness. He “cleared the path” so to speak. But, He not only removed that which would keep us from heaven but the all that would keep us from enjoying the life that we are living now. In the same passage that Jesus talked about being the Good Shepherd He talked about His purpose,
“But I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)
The Good Shepherd wants to lead you in paths of righteousness today. That begins with you getting the relationship right. Spend some time in prayer asking God what needs to happen for you to experience the abundant life He has planned for you.
Today, what path are you walking?