A Different, Better Way of Life
TIELER GILES
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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
I have a habit that I’m a little embarrassed to admit. When I come across a woman online who seems to be thriving in life, I immediately Google her. I want to understand how she’s achieved her success, thinking, Perhaps there’s wisdom or guidance I can gain to help me along my journey.
But after about 15 minutes of “research,” I close the apps and browsers, feeling overwhelmed. A quiet restlessness and dissatisfaction sets in. Feeling the weight of needing to do more, have more and be more, I begin to question my path.
We’re all working toward something — whether in our personal or professional life, ministry or community. And deep down, we hope this thing will bring us joy, peace and satisfaction. If only we can walk the right path and follow the right plan …
The pressure of it all can feel quite heavy.
King David knew pressure well. He saw ungodly leaders grow in prominence, power and possessions. He saw evil persist while God’s people suffered. He experienced trouble, grief and persecution. Yet David valued his relationship with God above all other things. He knew everything he could ever need was found in God’s presence. In Psalm 16:11, David wrote this about God:
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
David understood that to walk with God is to walk the path of life, fully trusting in His goodness and providence. David chose to turn from the world’s ways and pursue God’s ways. He chose to prioritize God’s will over status, wealth and ambition. A few verses before, David said, “I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8, NIV).
As David directed his attention to God, he was able to rejoice over every trial the Lord brought him through, every sin He forgave, and every blessing He bestowed. David could also rejoice in knowing that his soul was secure. He knew there was more to experience and enjoy beyond this earthly life.
This can be our attitude too! Friend, in the closeness of God’s presence, you can experience satisfaction, security and joy. Our heavenly Father reveals the path of life to us. Jesus created a bridge for us to access the path of life through faith in Him. And the Holy Spirit empowers us to walk the path of life. Praise God for His goodness!
The true path of life is not found in what you must do but in what Jesus has already done.
Heavenly Father, thank You that we don’t have to do it all or have it all. In Your presence, we find everything we need. Help us continue to walk the path You have laid out for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
The desire to grow and change is deeply rooted within us. So what does God have to say about the matter? Find out when you pick up a copy of How to Ditch the How-To: Embracing Grace in Place of Self-Improvement, written by today’s devotion writer, Tieler Giles. In this book, Tieler explores how only God’s grace provides what we truly need to learn, grow and live life well.
ENGAGE
Find Tieler’s website here, where you can sign up for inspiration and resources, and connect with her on Instagram.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of How to Ditch the How-To by Tieler Giles. To celebrate this book, Tieler’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, December 9, 2024.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV).
Jeremiah 6:16, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, “We will not walk in it”’” (NIV).
What stands in the way of you seeking and trusting God more fully? Which aspects of your life are most difficult to surrender?
How can you invest more of yourself in the pursuit of God and His presence?
© 2024 by Tieler Giles. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 05 December 2024.
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