The Paths of the Lord - Part 1

I love this Scripture from Hosea:

Hosea 14:9 (NLT)

Let those who are wise understand these things.
Let those who are discerning listen carefully.
The paths of the LORD are true and right,
and righteous people live by walking in them.

But sinners stumble and fall along the way.

I am going to take a few days to look over some scriptures on pathways. I am drawn to this concept as we begin the journey of 2012, and I am determined to find even more ways to take my heart on the sweet journey towards God's presence.

These are just a few meditations on taking this journey into God...

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

There is a progression of three things here:

He shows us the path we need to be on. He doesn't hide it, or taunt us with the possibility of guidance or direction - He has promised to show us the path we are supposed to be on. He doesn't keep this from us because we are too poor, too sinful, too faithless...no, He has the path of life for each one, and it is readily available. We need to open our hearts today for the Lord to show the way.

Secondly, once we are on HIs path, we will find the greatest joy in all the earth: the presence of God. This is the fullness of joy - the joy of joys! Nothing can compare to His presence.

Thirdly, He opens His hand to those who are on His pathways. This is His hand of promise, protection and provision. God seems to have a secret plan to bless and delight His people...only it is not such a secret plan, it is just that we fail to see it.  Some live as though God is out to punish them at every turn, but God's true desire is to open His hand of blessing. Even his difficult pathways will lead to treasures. So we could say...

Proverbs 4:18 

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,

That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

Paths of the Lord - Part 2 HERE