One of the most memorable sections of Scripture is Psalm 23 – The Shepherd’s Psalm. This one line impacts me in new ways. “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name” (Psalm 23:3). 

Being guided along right paths has been a longtime prayer of mine. I take note of Scriptures that speak of guidance. I learned to inquire of the Lord before deciding which fork in the road to take. If not led by Jesus, I learned that even an innocent-looking path can prove costly and painful. Inexperience, foolishness, and failure became invitations from Jesus to turn back to Him. Being led by Him and willing to follow is a continuous journey. 

And there is so much more. More than making right decisions and saving myself a lot of grief, I discover who Jesus is for me and what He has done for me. There is no true life apart from Him. And what Jesus gives to me was always meant to give away to others. My focus expanded beyond family and friends to include my generation and those who follow. Even more, my desire to be guided by Jesus along right paths is to bring Him honor. He is the Path.

We are susceptible to taking the wrong path at any age. The loud and clear messaging we are hearing has taken truth by God’s definition and redefined it. Good is evil and evil is good. Love is defined as the agreement and affirmation of lies. Worse than getting it wrong is to lead others down the wrong path as well.

If we are willing, we can count on Jesus to get our attention before we dishonor Him and seriously wound those in our sphere of influence. His rod protects us, fending off attacks—including wolves in sheep’s clothing. His staff guides us and draws us close to Him. To know we are loved and cared for so completely is to love Him in return. We will know His voice. May we respond when we hear Him say once again, “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come, follow me.”