Finding Your Path

How Do I Know Which Way to Go?

Turkey Run State Park hosts a few moderate hikes through a gorge dressed with Indiana maples. It's my favorite go-to locally when I need a nature fix.

Recently I hiked with a few friends and we came to a trail crossing, several of us not knowing which way headed back toward the car.

We picked one way. It was right (thank God).

It seems to me life can feel like this sometimes. We stop in a place where we're not quite sure which good path is the best path.

In this week's episode we meditate on wisdom literature written by Solomon that will remind us of the principles to live by—to align ourselves to hopefully discern which path God wants us to take, as well as other helpful wisdom to live by.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE

Read

Proverbs 3:1–18

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Reflect

What did the Spirit highlight for you from this passage?

Choose 1-2 verses from above and repeat them to yourself. Breathe. Soak in the truth of the text.

Now, what is one step you will take today to live out this truth?

Pray

Pray about your reflections above or anything else the Spirit brings to mind.

Story of the Gospel Connection

"Do not be wise in your own eyes."

Oh, those words can sting. . . but they also offer refreshing truth.

In our generation, the world's wisdom (which is foolishness) seems to be crowding out the true wisdom of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In fact, Paul wrote about this in 1 Cor. 1:21. "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."

When we depend on what the world says is true about us and about Jesus, we can become fools.

But when we meditate on God's Word, we realize our place: smack in the middle of our desperate need for God's grace.