Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore
Look closely at the Psalm above and you will notice there are three clauses in the verse. The first clause speaks of a path to travel. The second clause speaks of not being alone. The third speaks of the closeness of companionship.
There is a path of life that each of us will take. That path can either lead to life or death. It can be an easy path or it can be an extremely difficult path. How difficult the path is often determined by where we place our feet and whether we are prepared for the path we are taking. The Psalm is written by David on a personal level but as with many Psalms it also is prophetic of our Lord. The practical application for us is in that we as David can depend on God to show us the best path. The path that David speaks of is "the path of life". We are all on a path but are we on "the path of life".
David speaks confidently that God will show him the correct path. This is were we need to be. We need to realize that God will lay out the path for us to take if we will but listen to Him. Psalm 119:105 says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." We can have assurance that the Word of God will tell and show us exactly where we are standing. It lights our immediate standing on this path and shows us our relationship with Him at the moment. Not only does it illuminate our immediate circumstance but it also will shine on down the path so we can see where we are heading. We can be ready for trouble many times if we can see it coming. We don't have to be blind as to where we will wind up if we continue on our present path whether that path is a good path or a path fraught with danger.
The second thing we need to comprehend in this passage is that by taking the right path, which is God's righteous path, we are assured of God's presence on our journey. We can enjoy the trip as long as we have the joy of God's presence with us. It doesn't mean the path won't have boulders and pitfalls on it but it means that God will get you over them and around them and that you will get closer and closer to Him as He brings you safely through these danger spots.
Just as we can be assured of God's presence when we are on His path we can also be assured that if we take a path of our own choosing contrary to the one God shows us we will draw farther and farther from God. His light will shine dimmer and dimmer as we continue. We will soon have to grope our way around on a darkened path as His light won't be lighting the way for us.
One of the greatest indicators that you are on the wrong path is there is no spiritual joy on it. You may have a good time and even live it up but there will be emptiness that will remind you of a tennis ball. You might have plenty of bounce but you will still be hollow in the inside.
The third aspect of the verse is the end of the journey. Every path taken has an end. David speaks of eternal pleasure at the right hand of God at the end of his journey. When you speak of being at the right hand you are speaking of a side by side relationship. This is the relationship of the closest of friends and family. There is no rancor. All is wonderful and joyous. This is what God would have us to understand awaits those of us who will take the right path and be steadfast in our journey. The journey might be long and difficult but boy oh boy just look up ahead at what is waiting at the end of the trail. Truly it will be "joy unspeakable and full of glory". (1 Pet. 1:8)
This devotional is written and presented by Dwight Rhodes.
In His Holy Mountains
There is shelter in His Mountains
And gardens that smell sweet
Gladness fills the hearts of those
As the Shepherd here will greet.
Greet them and offer pastures
That feed His timid sheep
Upon the holy mountains
Guarded in His keep.
Streams sing softly in the light
Quenching the thirst of a fawn
Peaceful is the blessed season
And the gift of every dawn.
Golden flowers are everywhere
A site to behold and see
Perfumed scents, they freely share
Then rise and float to Heaven.
Beautiful are His Mountains,
That nourish the good flock
Led by One who loves them
Our Shepherd and our Rock.
Psalm 87:1 His foundation is in
the holy mountains.
Written by Julie Pisacane
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