“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Growing up in the mountain foothills west of Denver, I walked on paths every day: a path to school, a path to my friend’s house, a path to my babysitting job. I walked everywhere, and everywhere I walked was on a path or a dirt road.

Throughout my childhood, I learned to depend on and enjoy the different paths. Every path led to an important destination. They were all created and tested by those who walked years before me, each one distinct. The colors of the changing seasons or the beauty of fresh snow created a new experience daily. They filled me with confidence to keep walking, one step at a time, and eventually led me to the places I needed to go.

Years later, as a young bride, I received a wedding present. I don’t remember the gift, but the message will never be forgotten. “Congratulations, Lisa and Tim. Love, the Ditchfields … Psalm 16:11.” With a Bible nearby, I looked up this verse and discovered these words of promise for God’s path of life.

“You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

After our wedding, I moved away from my family and Denver. Filled with the comfort and confidence of knowing God was with me on all parts of this journey, I began a new path as a wife in Virginia.

I’ve found there are three promises in this one verse:

1. God has a path for my life. How wonderful to be reminded that not only is He leading me, but He will be with me in every new place.
 
2. When I’m in His presence, fullness of joy is His gift — not necessarily happiness, but joy of knowing God is always there. With God’s joy, there isn’t room for fear or worry. Strength, peace and the confidence that God is with me are some of the benefits of being in His presence.
 
3. The third promise is pleasures forever. What stands out to me is the amazing generosity of God, and He welcomes us to be close to Him, within reach not just for a day but forever. The NIV translation says, “eternal pleasures.” This pleasure is not fleeting but will be with me in this life and the next.

Even with these promises, we could still stumble on the path. The undercurrents of jealousy, bitterness, resentment or anger continue to challenge me. Each one has the potential to slow down the progress of the journey.

However, the Lord helps me not to trip and fall because He is with me. The key to navigating life’s challenges is found in the simple word “ask.” Repeatedly, God invites us to simply ask Him.

As a woman, I ask for peace, patience, understanding and compassion. As a mother and a grandmother, I ask for wisdom. As a wife, I ask for God to guide our marriage and fill it with His love. As a daughter, I ask for compassion and peace for my aging parents.

Daily, I look to follow God because I know that on His path, I will be in His presence and filled with joy. His joy is my strength. On this journey, I will discover God’s pleasures every day of my life and into eternity. The promise of Psalm 16:11 fills me with excitement and purpose. It motivates me to keep walking with God on His path. I trust it will do the same for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have prepared a path for my life. I’m so grateful You show me where the path is and travel with me on my journey. Help me pay attention and walk with You daily as You teach, protect and guide. Thank You that You are always with me on the path of life today and forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV)

Psalm 17:5, “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.” (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES

Finding God’s path is not a mystery. Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear He will teach us, show us, speak to us, and guide us on this path. Lisa Robertson is passionate about walking alongside women to uncover the mysteries, symbolism and truths about the path of life. If you’re looking for sound, biblical teaching with heartfelt wisdom, you’ll enjoy Lisa’s brand-new book, The Path of Life: Walking in the Loving Presence of God.

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REFLECT AND RESPOND

What are the benefits of staying on God’s path for your life? What happens if you leave it? How do you know you are on the right path?

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