Choose the Right Path

Dear child,

What path will you take in life? What stand will you make as you enter a world with so many options, so many opinions, so many beliefs, and so many temptations? How will you find the happiness and strength to get up in the morning with vigor and vitality for a new day? What will shape your attitude toward life and your hope for the future?

Psalm 1 answers these questions by presenting a contrast of two paths for your life. There are two ways to go - one path leads to happiness and the other to disaster. Which path will be yours? I pray that you will choose the path of true happiness.
 

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2, NKJV)

"Blessed" refers to abiding happiness or joy in your life. Such happiness is attainable. Consider carefully which path will bring you happiness that endures.

First, choose your friends carefully.  Following the wrong crowd leads to much heartache and unnecessary suffering. Those who reject the wise counsel of God, those who delight in immoral behavior, and those who mock others with a righteous stand for God will always -- repeat, always -- lead you away from true happiness. They may show you a "fun" time for a while but the end of their course is always heartache.

Second, realize the danger of compromise. You will not find blessed happiness when you compromise your faith in God in order to follow the crowd. Notice the downward spiral: one who "walks" or allows the foolish teachings of those who reject God to stand uncontested, then one "stands" or accepts the place of sinful people in their own life, until finally one actual takes his or her place with those who mock people of faith. Compromise never accomplishes what God intends for your life, dear child. It does not lead to true happiness.

Third, get good advice for your life. Friends can be compassionate. Sometimes they can be very helpful in sorting out a difficult situation. But true happiness will be found only by consulting the One who has all the answers. The LORD has graciously given us His word for all time in the Bible. Take delight in finding out what God has to say about a matter. "Meditate" on what His word clearly teaches -- this means to read it, think about what it means, and determine how it applies to your situation. God really does have the answers and we find them through the patient, persistent study of the Bible.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3, NKJV)

The result of choosing good friends, realizing the danger of compromise, and taking God's advice for life is that you will be strong and fruitful in your life. Like a tree continually nourished by an ever-flowing river, you will be nourished spiritually by the perfect wisdom of God. This will create strong roots for your life like a might tree planted by the water. You will be able to stand firm during the storms of life. During the dry seasons of unfortunate circumstances, others will lapse into despair but you will not lose your joy. True happiness will be yours in the good times and through the bad times. Your life will not be wasted but will bear much fruit. You will prosper because you follow the wise counsel of God.

The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1:4-6, NKJV)

Two paths for life: the way of the ungodly and the way of the righteous. Be certain of your path. The certainty of the ungodly path is nothing but judgment. No one will get away with anything in the end. God has determined that those who reject Him and His word will not stand with the righteous in the day of judgment. In the end, the ungodly will perish. The righteous who love the LORD, believe and obey His word will forever stand before God. The certainty of the righteous is life eternal. "For the LORD knows..." (Psalm 1:6, NKJV).

Choose the right path dear child.
 

Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com

Copyright 4/29/2000, Randy Lariscy.