October 18, 2019 -- Psalm 119:35 -- The Path of Delight

Lead me in the path of your commandments,

for I delight in it.

Psalm 119:35 English Standard Version

Did you see what the psalmist delights in? He prays to be led in the path of the LORD’s commandments for he delights in the path—the word “it” is singular. So the reference is to the word “path”. It is a word that is rich in meaning. Consider a few places where it is used in Scripture:

He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

The LORD Who cares for us, His sheep, is the One Who faithfully leads us in His pathway.

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom…

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:1,17

Wisdom personified leads the people of God in the path of pleasantness and peace—this is the blessing of the LORD our Maker upon those who hear and obey Him. Though troubles may pile high and enemies threaten, God Himself is Peace for all who trust in Him. They are assured that nothing can separate them from His great love—all things happen for the refinement of His people.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

John 14:6

There are several other references to paths and ways in Scripture and Jesus brings these all together showing these find their reference in Himself. Those who refuse the Saviour are on the path to destruction. Yesterday I heard a wonderful sermon and the preacher noted those who march themselves to hell must wade through the blood of the Savior, shed for them—the greatest evidence of His forgiving love for all who believe in Him. They persistently slog along resisting His blessings until at the entrance of the gates of hell they read: “God is love”. Even there they snort and harden their souls against His wide-embracing path.

But God is the delight of all who believe in Him through the revealed path: Jesus. God raises us up to life in Christ. Our brief text is packed full of the extravagant grace we find in Jesus Christ. He is the path of delight, of life, of peace, and of the knowledge of God.

Jesus, our Peace, with the psalmist we pray: Lead us in the path of Your commandments, for in it we delight. As we walk in faith-filled obedience before You the Captain of Salvation, Spirit of Power remove from us stubborn sins and clinging wickedness, so that our steps will be strong and steady and our eyes will be focused on Jesus our soul’s prize and heart’s delight. Thank You, God our Father, that You have made a path open to Yourself so that prodigal daughters and sons can return to Your open-armed embrace. Amen.