The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

The Paths of Righteousness 

By Tim Sheppard 

In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28 (ESV) 

We’d planned our perfect family vacation. My wife, Kelly, and I, along with our daughter, Jessica, flew into Los Angeles to spend a few days enjoying the secluded beaches of Malibu before working our way up the West Coast. 

After a few relaxing days in Malibu, we rose early on a bright, crisp November morning to drive the 350-mile journey from Malibu to Carmel. Before leaving, we prayed God would lead us in paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). And though we’d made plans, we asked Him to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9). 

As we drove up coast-hugging Highway 1, the ocean views were breathtaking. Every few miles the road widened into a scenic vista with a pullout to stop and enjoy the spectacular views. Some were elaborate with dozens of paved parking spots while others were small dirt turnouts with space for a few cars. 

Jessica, the photography enthusiast she is, watched every turn, looking for the perfect vista to shoot photos. She finally shouted, “Stop! This is it!” Trusting Jessica’s instincts, I quickly turned into nothing more than a dirt shoulder with room for only three vehicles—and one spot was already taken. 

We pulled right next to the car that was already parked, and as we got out, we noticed a couple standing by. While Jessica was shooting pictures, the man asked me, “Do you go to Gateway Church?” I said, “Yes, we do!” He said, “We do too!” I was shocked! “What campus do you attend?” I told him, and he said, “We do too!” We were more than 1,500 miles from home and both pulled into that miniscule spot on the same day, at the same time. What are the chances?! The Lord used that divine appointment to confirm He was literally guiding our steps. 

Perhaps you feel like your steps are aimless. If you commit your way to the Lord, He will lead you in paths of righteousness. These paths aren’t imperceptible. In fact, the Hebrew word for “path” in that Psalm means a track or entrenchment. In other words, the way is long established; these are ancient paths others have traveled before us. Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) declares, “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.’” 

As we yield to the Lord’s guidance as our Good Shepherd, He so lovingly weighs every intricate detail to lead us in the plans and paths He’s established for us. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) assures us, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” The word “steps” even encompasses the length of our stride and the pace at which we walk. 

Even more remarkable is the origin for the word “steps.” The Hebrew root word refers to the pipes or feeding tubes that supply lamps with oil. In Zechariah 4, during an encounter with an angel, Zechariah has a vision of a seven-branched lampstand like the one found in the Tabernacle. However, this one has been altered so it never needs to be refilled by human effort! A bowl of oil was added on top as well as seven pipes to each of the seven lamps to feed the oil from the bowl to the lamps. An olive tree sits on each side of the lampstand, each one constantly supplying fresh oil through pipes to the bowl. These modifications emphasize a continuous, overabundant supply of oil. When Zechariah asks what this means, the angel says, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6b, NIV). 

In other words, what God does through us is not accomplished by human strength but rather by the power of the Holy Spirit! God provides guidance for each of our steps and empowers each step with a constant flow of the presence of the Holy Spirit! 

Be encouraged today that your Good Shepherd is guiding and empowering you. He wants to remind you of His promise to direct your steps—even down to your pace and the length of your stride. He’s intimately involved in every detail of your life and will supply you with the fresh oil you need to burn with passion for Him. He’ll set you on the ancient paths of righteousness for the sake of His great name. 

PRAYER 

Father, I’m so grateful You establish my path, and You guide and empower each step. I receive Your loving guidance as my Good Shepherd. I recognize the choices I make are not between right and wrong, but rather between life and death. I choose life—Your life! Show me the ancient paths so I may walk in them to fulfill the destiny You’ve established for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION   

• Do you feel unclear about your direction in life? Invite the Good Shepherd to establish your paths and guide your steps. Spend time alone with God every day, knowing His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). As you read His Word, you’ll begin to recognize the sound of His voice more clearly.   
• Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Prayer involves talking and listening, so practice spending time in God’s presence by quieting yourself to listen for His voice. Involve Him in every decision you make.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSES

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:2–3