(“In all your ways acknowledge [God] and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6, NIV)
M-m-m. God will make my paths straight? Sounds as if he is promising a life of ease on a flat, straight course. Smooth transitions from Point A to Point B.
But I know God doesn’t work that way. Life on Easy Street can result in laziness and worthlessness.
In checking other translations of the Bible, I discovered fresh insights for this familiar verse.
Berkeley says, “He will direct your paths.”
The Douay-Rheims Bible presents a nuance of difference: “He will direct thy steps.”
New Living Translation, “He will show you what path to take.”
Holman Christian Standard Bible, “He will guide you on the right paths.”
And my personal favorite: “He’s the one who will keep you on track” – The Message.
I wonder if I could compose my own amplified version, combining all these translations? Something like: “He will direct my steps along the path that he knows is right and keep me on track.”
How glorious that our Heavenly Father cares enough to guide us so attentively. What a relief to know…
…we can trust the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. After all, God made us. He can be trusted to choose just the right path for each of us. “He will teach [us] his ways, so that [we] may walk in his paths” (Isaiah 2:3).
…we don’t have to direct our own steps. In fact, “It is not for man to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). How wonderful to depend on God, who can see into the future. We certainly can’t!
…He won’t just set us off in the right direction, then leave us to our own devices. He will remain by our side, providing guidance all along the way. Our God is all-wise; we are not.
I’m remembering a visit to the Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. In back of the large home is a labyrinth of boxwood bushes, replicating the maze that was first constructed there hundreds of years ago. Children and adults alike find it hard to resist the challenge, including me.
Oh, my. With my lousy sense of direction, I became hopelessly lost. Every time I thought the next corner would be the way out, a wall of greenery would greet me. What I needed was somebody with a bird’s-eye view of the path who could tell me which way to turn.
That’s exactly what we have in our Heavenly Father.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21).
And we’re talking about much more important matters than a labyrinth of bushes! We’re talking about:
- Day-to-day choices that form our character
- Decisions that impact our influence upon those around us
- Selections of what church to attend, what friendships to cultivate, what activities to pursue, and more
- Guidance for those unexpected twists and turns of life
In all these ways, “He will direct our steps along the path that he knows is right and keep us on track.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Lord, help me to look up toward you—often! I want to walk the right path you have chosen for me, with confidence and strength, because I am trusting in you. May I turn my thoughts to you and your Word continually—so I can receive frequent instruction. And thank you for walking with me, offering support and encouragement, every step of the way. “Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8b).
(Photo credits: www.rockchurchofindia.org; http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.photochelter.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I LOVE the idea of trying to get out of the maze!! Again you have painted such a beautiful word picture of confusion and our Heavenly Father waiting to straighten the path for us. What a blessing.
Thank you, sweet Grace! I am humbled and honored that you find the posts meaningful. May God bless YOU today as you always bless others!
Nancy, thank you for reminding me today that we really never know what the next step will mean or where it will take us as we seek to walk with the Lord. Only thing for sure is that He is behind us, with us, and before us. Praise His Name!
Thank YOU, Lynda, for your uplifting comments. As a cancer survivor you know very well that our paths can include challenges along the way. That’s why your statement of assurance is especially powerful: He IS behind us, with us, and before us. Hallelujah!
“He will direct my steps along the path that he knows is right and keep me on track.”
I like the way you do this. Last year I learned many ways to study the bible. Your way, (which Jim called it the extended version and I called it the “amplified extended version”) was a new way to study the bible. I like looking into many versions, you just put then all together, very creative.
I will be coming to see you on Sunday. Have a blessed day!!
Thank you, Nancy! As you can see, I enjoy comparing different versions of the Bible, too. I like Jim’s name for putting several translations together: the extended version. THAT’s very creative!
We’ll look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
love how the Message translate this verse. Now that is something to hold onto! Thanks Nancy for a thought provoking post.
You are most welcome, Jean!
I don’t know how I could go through each day without the direction of the Lord. My part is to listen and don’t act on my accord but His. Thank you again Nancy for the post.
I agree: floundering through each day on my own sounds miserable. Praise God for his loving, attentive guidance!
Love the comment that God has a bird’s eye view…a view of the big picture, the right path to take to fulfill God’s Will for my life. I make things too difficult and get in my own way; and when that happens I am missing opportunities that He has made available to me in my service to Him. Thanks for this reminder!
You’re welcome, Cheri. And thank YOU for the reminder about issued opportunities, which God may present at any time, around any corner. I need to live watchfully and expectantly!
When you least expect it a path opens with the correct way to proceed. Love this quote
So true that paths often open unexpectedly. I think God loves to surprise us! Thank you for stopping by, John.
Hi Nancy –
I am enjoying your blog and find it helpful in my walk. I so appreciate your gentle way with words & the beautiful pictures they paint. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Sandee, Mel & I are praying that you, Pastor Steve and your family are well and prospering.
Love, Susan Barrett Staley
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Susan. It warms my heart to know you find the blog helpful. And thank you for your prayers, too. No wonder our transition is progressing smoothly, with delightful, serendipity blessings along the way! I pray God’s blessings upon you as well. Love to you and Sandee and Mel.
What a meaningful post. Thank you for sharing.
I am honored you found the post meaningful. Thank YOU for commenting!