Jesus Shows Us the Way

What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.

There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was. But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess them to the Lord." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven. Judgment will not touch him if he does.

You are my hiding place from every storm of life; you even keep me from getting into trouble! You surround me with songs of victory. I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Don't be like a senseless horse or mule that has to have a bit in its mouth to keep it in line!

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. So rejoice in him, all those who are his, and shout for joy, all those who try to obey him.

Psalm 32: 1-11 (TLB)

M. Ramki, from Sri Lanka, had returned to college in early September after a trip home, and he was walking toward the college hostel from the bus stop. Some construction had begun while they were on vacation, and many holes had been dug on the side of the road. While M. was walking, he spotted a boy talking on his mobile phone. He was absorbed in his conversation and seemed unconcerned about the dangers on the road. He reprimanded him in his heart and watched every step he took, expecting him to fall into a hole at any time. He kept his eyes fixed on the boy as he wondered, If he falls, should I pull him out of the hole and then scold him for his carelessness or should I scold him first and then pull him out? As M. was choosing his words and deciding how harsh he should be, he stopped paying attention to his path and fell into a hole.

M. realized then that looking at the faults of others can cause us to stumble. He prayed that day for Jesus to show him the right path in his life. The psalmist proclaims that God will protect and deliver us. We can always rely on God to show us the way.

Prayer: Forgiving God, help us listen to you and to walk in the right path, in Jesus' name. Amen.