Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. (Psalm 17:4-5)
When we think of a path, we typically imagine some long and winding foot path through the woods and across fields that, upon reaching its end, we find ourselves at the destination. In short, we start at point A and make our way to point B. That is the type of path David describes in relation to those he calls “the destroyer.” Interestingly, the Hebrew word is derived from a root that means to “break (out)” in a forceful way, and so, it could be better rendered “lawbreakers.” The idea is that, wicked men do not like to be confined by the parameters God places on us by His instructions, therefore, they break out and follow the path that best suits them. I would recommend that this is the broad path Messiah said leads to destruction.
In sharp contrast to this type of path, David used a completely different Hebrew word to describe the one that has been set before us by God. The Hebrew word translated as “Your paths” actually hints at a path that is circular in nature. By the way this is the same Hebrew word used in Psalm 23 when David said, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” So then, what are we to make of the fact that the paths of righteousness seem to be both narrow and circuitous? Does He takes us in circles? Yes, but not in the way most of us would assume that means. Instead, think of it this way: most everything we can observe in God’s Creation is tied to cycles, circuits and seasons — even time itself is defined in this manner. In other words, God uses cycles and seasons to teach of His way as we navigate through life.
If you think about, all our lives have been defined by different seasons, and by that I don’t mean spring, summer, fall and winter. I mean the highs and lows of life — the victories and defeats, the mountain tops and valleys, the pastures and the wilderness experience. Yet in every situation, if we were following His guidance, we learned something very important related to our purpose and call. At times, it is very difficult — which is why Messiah describes it as narrow and troublesome (Matthew 7:14) — but through it all He upholds our steps lest we falter along the way. He doesn’t lead us in circles that cause us to be lost; He leads us in cycles that allow us to find His way for our life. So then, it is important that we don’t behave as the wicked who break out from His path; but are content to remain within the boundaries and parameters He has established. At the end of His path, circuitous though it may be, blessing and life await us.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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