INTRO: When we travel, we plan a destination. The trip may be short. Direct. Or the trip may have detours. Roadblocks. Construction. Our life’s journey is seldom dull. There may be twists and turns. We may even ask ourselves if we are on the right path. How do we recognize the path of the Lord? Scripture gives us the answer. Israel returned from exile. They were now few in number. "Pray that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go and what we should do" (JEREMIAH 42:3). Lord, open our eyes and ears to see your path. Our hearts to know and walk on your path of life. THE LORD REVEALS THE PATH OF LIFE. The Lord’s path of life: I. Gladness of life. II. Joyfulness of soul.
I. GLADNESS OF HEART
A. David is the writer of this Psalm. As king, David understood the authority of the Lord.
1. Verse 7. “I will bless the LORD, who guides me.” The Lord God of Armies directed David.
2. “Even at night my heart instructs me.” The Lord instructed King David at night. Always.
B. Verse 8. David knew his rule was governed by the Lord’s power. “…set the Lord always before me.”
1. “Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Right hand was position of power.
2. Enemies of God’s people defeated by strength of the Lord God of Armies. David knew this.
C. Verse 9. “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices.” David’s joy was in the Lord alone.
D. The path of life includes divine direction, teaching, and power. These diving blessings bring us gladness of heart. The Lord directs our lives with great care and concern. The Lord teaches our hearts the difference between good and evil. Right and wrong. God’s power assures us that nothing can stand against us. All of this on the path of life brings us gladness of heart. We are glad every day. Well, probably not. Our sinful nature likes to grumble and complain. This is why the Bible encourages us again and again to be glad. Rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (PHILIPPIANS 4:4, 5). The Lord reminds us twice to be glad. Let others see the Lord’s faithfulness by our gentleness. How? “The Lord is near.” Close to us.
E. Every day in our earthly life is a day blessed by the Lord. Our loving, heavenly Father shines his love upon us day after day. Year after year. Generation after generation. The Lord God of Armies gives each of us different talents. Abilities. Then he provides us with the strength to use these gifts for his glory. God also gives us the ability to enjoy the fruit of our labors. Grants us peaceful sleep after a good day’s work. "…to rejoice in the results of his hard work—this is a gift of God, for the man seldom reflects on the days of his life, since God keeps him busy with the joy in his heart" (ECCLESIASTES 5:19b, 20). The gladness of heart keeps us busy with God’s divine joy. Knowing God joy. Forgiveness joy.
F. The Lord God called Saul out of the darkness to become Apostle Paul. Paul dedicated the rest of his life to serving the Lord. He made missionary journeys to proclaim the gospel to others who lived in the darkness of unbelief. How can we help those who do not know God to know God? Here is Paul’s preaching / teaching example. "Yet he did not leave himself without testimony of the good he does. He gives you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. He fills you with food and fills your hearts with gladness” (ACTS 14:17). The Lord God of Armies who created the heavens and the earth still provides abundantly for his creation. There is rain from heaven. Crops in seasons. We have plenty to eat. It is the Lord alone who fills our hearts with gladness. Glad to be alive. Glad to be blessed by the Lord. Glad God loves us.
THE LORD REVEALS THE PATH OF LIFE. The Lord gives us gladness of heart on his path.
II. JOYFULNESS OF SOUL
A. Verse 9. “…heart is glad…whole being rejoices. Even my flesh will dwell securely …” David’s confidence.
1. Verse 10a. “…you will not abandon my life to the grave.” Life does not end in the grave.
2. Yes, Old Testament believers knew about eternal life. Salvation. Redeemer.
B. Verse 10b. “You will not let your favored one see decay.” “Favored one” refers to Jesus. Savior.
1. Jesus lived. Died. Was buried. Rose again on the third day. Body did not see decay.
2. God’s grace opened heart to believe God’s future promises. David knew this by faith.
C. Verse 11. “You have made known to me the path of life.” Lord’s work revealed way of salvation.
1. “…fullness of joy in your presence”. Joy in the presence of Lord perfectly fulfilled in heaven.
2. “…pleasures at your right hand forever.” Forever, perfectly in heaven at the Lord’s right hand.
D. We are members of the human race. The human race operates under the limitations of an earthly kingdom. As believers our allegiance belongs to a much different kingdom. This is the kingdom of God. Two kingdoms: world versus God. We know it is a challenge for us seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Our sinful, human nature is not wired for such divine thinking. Or purpose. Our new Christian nature does want to walk on the path of life. The differences: "For the kingdom of God does not consist of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (ROMANS 14:17). Truthfully, we spend more time thinking about, talking about, planning what to eat or drink than righteousness, peace, and joy. God’s kingdom plan for us of righteousness, peace, and joy is especially what we need in today’s world. The righteousness of Christ covers our unrighteousness. The Lord Jesus gives us peace the world cannot / does not / will not provide. Joy in Jesus’ free forgiveness.
E. The Lord’s path of life leads us through our earthly pilgrimage. Along the way God’s love provides us with gladness of heart. The joy of knowing the Lord’s love blesses our daily lives. Of course, on this side of heaven such joy and gladness is imperfect. It is tainted by sin. We do not always completely comprehend the divine meaning God’s precious blessings. We are blessed to work at righteousness, peace, and joy. It is ours. "But once this perishable body has put on imperishability, and this mortal body has put on immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 CORINTHIANS 15:54). Everyone wants to be a winner. Christ has made us champions. Victorious over death.
F. The path of life the Lord places before us is filled with blessings. Gladness. Joy. Heaven is our final destination. We travel this earthly path. It is not always smooth. Easy. But the straight and narrow path of life leads directly to our joy-filled, perfect eternity in the presence of God. We could say the best is yet to come. "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him, you are filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 PETER 8:9). Inexpressible joy because we have received eternal life.
CONC.: Scripture clearly lays out before us our journey from here to eternity. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God loved us first that we may love him. Our loving, heavenly Father opens our eyes, ears, and hearts to see his daily, abundant blessings. Gladness of heart. Joy-filled soul. "This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, and it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (1 TIMOTHY 1:9b, 10). THE LORD REVEALS THE PATH OF LIFE. Amen. Pastor Timm O. Meyer
PENTECOST 7 readings.: ISAIAH 66:10-14; GALATIANS 6:10, 14-16; LUKE 10:1-12, 16-20; (PSALM 66)
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