Walk In The Old, Reliable Paths

This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask which paths are the old, reliable paths. Ask which way leads to blessings. Live that way, and find a resting place for yourselves...

[Jeremiah 6:16, GWD]

Every day in life, you are faced with a decision no matter how great or how insignificant it may seem. But there are some that feel as though if you do not come to a decision, you cannot move. It feels as though there are so many options. You may probably wish you could get a glimpse of the future for each option to aid in your decision-making.

Today your Loving Father says, "Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask which paths are the old, reliable paths. Ask which way leads to blessings. Live that way, and find a resting place for yourself." If you are at a crossroad or at that point where you need to make a critical decision, stand. Do not procrastinate making the decision. Take out time to discuss with your Loving Father. He is God, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. What has led to blessings in the past will still lead to blessings today. He desires that you see, and find out if what you are hearing from Him (or others who He may bring to guide you) agrees with the written word and the usual methods of His providence in your life.

When you have found out which is the good way, walk in it, apply it, proceed, and persevere in it. Your Loving Father assures you that, if you walk in the good old way, you will find your walking in that way easy and pleasant. You will enjoy both Him and yourself. The way will lead you to true joy and rest.

The decision you take by walking in the good way may cause you some temporary discomfort, but you will find an abundant reward eventually, for your Loving Father sees the end from the beginning, and knows what is best for you. 

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You that You care about every area of my life and You desire to lead me to the right path. I stand at the crossroads and look; I ask for the ancient paths where the good way is, and by Your grace I choose to walk in it and receive Your promise that I will find rest for my soul.  Help me not to be distracted by my desires and worldly expectations but to listen to Your Voice and obey You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

True Joy Comes From God

You have given me greater joy

than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 

[Psalm 4:7, NLT]

These words are taken from a Psalm [Psalm 4] of David when he gave an account of his own experiences of the grace of God working in him, filling his heart with joy. He had prayed that God will answer his prayer and relieve him of distress. He compared the joy God had given him to the joy of those who had abundant harvest of grain and new wine. The latter joy is a joy dependent on harvest, on substance and material things. The kind of joy God had given him was refreshing, sustaining, though at that time his life was difficult and filled with distress.

Your Loving Father wants you to experience true joy. Joy is a gift from God, a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it is not dependent on circumstances in your life. It cannot be got by material things. It is something that nothing and no one can take away from you. The world may give promises of happiness but it does not satisfy like the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord strengthens and gives hope.

As you talk to your Father today and make your requests know to Him, may you receive His joy. May your testimony be that "Father, you have given me greater joy, more than those who have abundance of harvest". Your Loving Father loves you and cares for you. His love is unfailing, everlasting and unshakeable. You do not need to envy the happiness the world seems to offer but rest in the love of God, and the unspeakable joy He gives.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that I have You and true joy comes from You. I pray that I will continue to know true joy, the joy that only You can bring into my life. I pray for a continual filling of Your Spirit that I may experience Your joy in every situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God Is The Lifter Of Your Head

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

[Psalms 3:3, AMP]

These words were spoken by David during a time when he was in distress. He fled from his son Absalom. Notwithstanding what he was going through, David confided in God and encouraged himself knowing who and what God meant to him.

Your Loving Father is for you a shield. He protects you on every side. He is your glory - He puts true honour upon you.  But more excitingly, He is your joy and deliverer. He is the one that lifts up your head out of troubles, and restores you in due time.

Are you going through a period where you feel you cannot lift up your head all by yourself? Do you sometimes feel like you have a shortcoming in an area where God is yet to come through for you? Do not be discouraged. As a child of God, you can lift up your head with joy, knowing that all shall work together for your good. Your Loving Father will give you reason to rejoice. He is the lifter of your head.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I glorify You and give You honour today. You are a shield for me. You are my glory and the lifter of my head. Thank You, Father. Thank You for protection, safety, honour and deliverance. Be exalted and glorified my Father, for who You are. Amen.

I had to share a song related to this verse. Please click here to listen on...