The Right Path

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

In the famous poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, the traveler tells of coming upon two roads in the woods. Both were equally worn and covered with leaves. There was no way for the traveler to know where each road would lead. Realizing he couldn’t take both, the man had to choose one road to take.

As you grow up, there will be many times when you will have to make a hard decision and choose which “road” to take. Should you go to church camp or visit your grandmother? Should you take choir or band at school? Should you sign up to spend Saturday mornings with the youth group doing service projects or sign up for the soccer league?

It might be easier if God used road signs like the ones drivers follow—no U-turn, right turn only, or straight ahead. He doesn’t use those kinds of signs, but he may send a Sunday school teacher into your life to help guide you. Or the pastor might say exactly what you need to hear to understand what God wants you to do. God may speak to you in your heart, or he may open the doors for some opportunities and close the doors for others.

Today’s verses are saying that it’s important to seek out God’s plan for you in all you do. When you read the Bible, ask God for wisdom in knowing what his plan is, and try to do the things you already know he wants you to do. He’ll lead you down the right path for you. This doesn’t mean you can’t take important steps in making good choices. Talking to parents or other trusted adults along with looking at the possible consequences of each choice is a good way to make decisions too.

You may wonder if you’ll recognize God’s leading and make the right choices, but that’s where trusting God comes in. If he wants you to do something, and you are willing to do the things he asks of you, he’ll make sure you’re on the right path.

What decisions are in your future? Start asking God now to lead you in the right direction. Remember that he may use the Bible, a pastor, a parent, or another godly person to help guide you.