The Path Before Us

THE PATH BEFORE US – New Year’s 2006

Psalm 16:11

INTRODUCTION:

January 1, 2006, who can believe it? 2006 now lay before us as an open road. We are at the beginning of a journey—a long journey! What will the next 365 days hold for us? To be sure there will be some ups and some downs in the road named 2006; sometimes we will encounter potholes along the way and the unexpected detours caused by road construction. It may sometimes appear that the road is a dead end and we are going no where fast, while at other times 2006 will be like an expressway with life flying by at high speed. Every road will have it’s twists and turns. Every path it’s unseen dangers and unexpected surprises.

One thing is certain; the road 2006 must be traveled by each of us one day at a time. None can rush ahead nor can we linger where we are. We must all take the journey and walk the path before us. It is not a question of whether we will take the journey, the only decision for us to make is what road will we travel? God has given each one of us the choice as to the street we will travel; essentially you and I can choose between two different highways: GOD’S WAY or MY WAY.

This morning we are going to pause to take a look at “The Path Before Us” as found in Psalm 16:11 to help us get off to a good start for our journey down the road of 2006. We will look at three simple truths that the psalmist has shown us: [1] The Path of Life is before us; [2] Along the path of life we have the joy of God’s presence and [3] The path of life leads us to eternal pleasures.

1. The Path of Life is before us!

• Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

You have made known to me the path of life. . .

It used to be said “All roads lead to Rome.” Some have mistakenly assumed that “All roads lead to heaven.” Many people believe that when it comes to your ultimate spiritual destination we will all make it to heaven if we just live a good life because “all paths lead to God.”

Such thinking is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. The Bible makes it clear that there is only one path that leads to God, only one road to heaven.

• John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

• John 10:9 (NIV)

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

In the KJV, Jesus says, “I am the door.” Entrance to heaven is possible through only one door. Jesus is the way, the only way! Here’s the good news: God has made the way known to us! God has not left us to grope around in the dark searching and hoping to find the way; God has shown us the way through His Son Jesus.

The psalmist said, “You have made known to me the path of life.”

GOD WANTS TO BE OUR GUIDE! God is not indifferent or unresponsive to us. God loves us and hears us when we cry out for help. God is not aloof or unfriendly turning us away; God has opened His heart to us and calls us to be with Him. God is not angry at us or holding a grudge. God is patient and willing to forgive.

God wants to be our guide and lead us in the path of life, BUT WILL WE LET GOD LEAD US? Will we accept God’s direction for our lives or do we think we know the path we should follow?

Many paths lie before us; which will we choose to follow? People pick a path to follow for all kinds of different reasons.

o Does it feel good? Is the road smooth and straight?

o What’s in it for me? How much money is to be made? Are the streets paved with gold?

o Will I gain recognition or fame? Is the walkway covered with red carpet and lined with people to congratulate me?

o Will it make me happy? If I follow easy street will I find the things that satisfy me?

o Will friends or family approve? Will I find acceptance? Is this the broad way that everyone is walking on?

People make decisions for these and other reasons often giving no thought to the way that God would have them go, nor do they think about the effect their choices may have upon family or others. As you set your course for 2006 BE CAREFUL. Choose wisely the path you will follow.