There are countless situations we face each day that require us to make decisions — decisions that may be small and seemingly insignificant. However we may question ourselves, wondering whether our small, minor decisions are leading us along the good and right pathway.
But what is the good and right pathway? Can we have the “light” we need to walk in the good pathway? How do we determine what is the good and right pathway?
The Scriptures tell us:
Thus saith Yahuwah [the LORD], Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old [ancient; eternal] paths, (ask) where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls… (Jeremiah 6:16a).
As this verse teaches, walking in the ‘good way’ (the old paths) will result in ‘rest for our souls’! What a wonderful promise! We will have a rest-full-ness, a contentment, when we walk in the good way, walking in the ancient and eternal paths of Yahuwah Elohim [the Hebrew name for the LORD God].
The ‘good way’ is the ancient paths of Yahuwah! His paths are never out-dated, never obsolete, and they never change, because they are as eternal as our Creator is eternal! His good way gives us direction for all situations we face in this life.
What are these old (ancient) paths? The good, old paths are all the ways that Yahuwah has instructed us to walk in, as seen throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation:
These Scriptures, along with many others, teach us that walking in the ways of Yahuwah, following His written instructions [all the Bible, including the ‘old’ testament writings called the Torah], result in the promise that things will be well with us! Those who desire true peace of mind will seek for the ‘good’ pathway, the ‘old‘ paths.
All of us need help in making decisions. Our decisions are important! Decisions can have long-term effects, even if at the moment they may seem insignificant. Because of the ripple effect that decisions can have, knowing and following God’s instructions will help us stay in His good and honourable path. Following God’s instructions will lead us to our ultimate goal — everlasting life and the salvation of our souls (1Peter 1:7-9; see also Romans 6:22)!
Let’s look briefly at the light we need in order to walk in the good pathway.
Light For Our Path
God has told us that His Word is a ‘lamp’ for our feet and a ‘light’ for our path:
Your Word [Yahuwah’s Word] is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105).
This verse brings out the immense importance of the Word of Yahuwah Elohim [the LORD God]! God’s written Word shows us the ‘Light’ we need to walk in the good and right pathway.
The Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, is Yahuwah’s eternal, written Word to His people. Yahuwah’s Scriptures reveal the instructions and wisdom He has given to help us in every situation we face — instructions that are for our good, for our benefit, and for our entire lifetime.
Many of our daily decisions can be very personal and intimate, and may seem inconsequential. Yet as we read and study the complete Word of Yahuwah, and practice becoming a “DO-er” of His Word, we discover that Father has provided Light for our path! God has given us the guidelines and instructions we need for every major decision we face, and even for the little personal, intimate decisions.
When we walk in the Light of Yahuwah’s written Word, then we find the ‘rest for our souls’ that we yearn for! When we live according to God’s written Word, then we find the good way, the old paths, the ancient paths that address every situation we face.
And yes, there are some things in the Scriptures that are hard to understand (2Peter 3:14-16). But we must have the commitment to be a ‘DO-er’ of the things written in God’s Word that we do understand. This is the first step to gaining more understanding.
So what would be some basic, somewhat typical examples of how God’s Word speaks to every situation in our life? Let’s look at some simple, realistic examples of how God’s Word is as a ‘lamp’ and as a ‘light’ for our path.
Ten Examples
1. Allen said, “I took $20 from Dad’s bedroom dresser last week, to buy gas for the car. Dad keeps several $20’s in his dresser drawer. I needed the money to take my girlfriend to see her mother at work. Dad has not mentioned the missing money, so I have not told him. It seems like such a little thing. Besides, Dad always keeps money laying around in his drawer.”
Q. Should Allen tell his dad he took the money?
A. What does God’s Word say?
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour. (Ephesians 4:25)
You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. (Leviticus 19:11)
Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer. (Proverbs 28:24)
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2. Kevin said, “One of my friends is always angry about something. He wants to argue and complain about the government, about school, about work. My offers to pray with him are refused. I feel so bad after being with this person. I don’t know why he keeps coming to church.”
Q. Should Kevin talk to his friend about the dangers of anger?
A. What does God’s Word say?
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
Do not associate with a person who calls himself a believer, but is sexually immoral, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is a slanderer, or is a drunkard, or is a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person. (1Corinthians 5:11)
Do not be fooled. Bad companions ruin good character. (1Corinthians 15:33)
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3. Vincent said, “Some of the guys at school do not like this one fellow (whom we will call Matt). Matt always gets the best grades on the tests. The teacher seems to favor him. Matt is always neatly dressed, is very smart, but he is very shy. Lots of the guys hate him. They want me to join in and play tricks on Matt, and try to embarrass him.”
Q. Should Mark join in playing tricks on Matt?
A. What does God’s Word say?
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (Proverbs 1:10)
Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. (Proverbs 31:8)
You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, that you may not participate in his sin. (Leviticus 19:17)
Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (1John 3:15)
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4. Bob said, “Some of my friends are planning to go to a protest gathering tonight to protest one of the city council’s decisions. My friends are so upset about the issue. During the protest, some plan to throw rocks and break windows.”
Q. Should Bob go to the protest?
A. What does God’s Word say?
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. (Proverbs 1:10)
You shall not follow a multitude to do evil. (Exodus 23:2a)
Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1)
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5. Karen said, “Someone I know is reading an interesting book about miracles and dreams. I looked at the book and there are quotes from the Bible, as well as quotes from other religious figures, some from eastern religions. The author of the book claims to have dreams from God that reveal truths that are missing from the Bible. The author claims to hear God’s voice in ways that seem supernatural, yet somehow, it seems to be a little strange.”
Q. Should Karen read this book?
A. What does God’s Word say?
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I (Moses) teach you, for to do them, that you may live, and go in and possess the land… You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahuwah [the LORD] your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:1-2)
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law [Torah; instructions], which Moses My servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper whithersoever you go. (Joshua 1:7)
Every Word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Do not add unto His Words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6)
There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1John 4:1)
Regard not (do not turn unto) them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am Yahuwah [the LORD] your God. (Leviticus 19:31)
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6. Lois said, “My mother seems to always worry about my clothes and what I am wearing. She hovers over me and treats me like I am a baby. She is always telling me that I should dress better, more lady-like, and cover up better, and not be so sloppy. She is such a worrywart.”
Q. Should Lois heed her mother’s advice?
A. What does God’s Word say?
Honour your father and your mother, as Yahuwah [the LORD] your God has commanded you; that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you. (Deuteronomy 5:16a)
Wise children make their fathers (and mothers) happy. Only fools despise their mothers. (Proverbs 15:20)
Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. (1Timothy 2:9a)
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house. (Proverbs 7:10-11)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise. (Proverbs 12:15)
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7. Steve said, “My girlfriend and I spend a lot of time together after work. Sometimes, we go to the park, walking and talking about everything. Sometimes we kiss, hiding behind the trees, and are passionate. But we always stop before things get too overwhelming. We are only doing what is natural, just enjoying ourselves.”
Q. Should Steve change his behaviour toward his girlfriend?
A. What does God’s Word say?
Flee (run away from) fornication (any sexual relations outside of marriage). Every sin that a man does is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. (1Corinthians 6:18)
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1Corinthians 7:1-2)
Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1Thessalonians 5:22)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification (purity): that you abstain (refrain) from fornication (sexual immorality). (1Thessalonians 4:3)
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8. Sharon said, “There is a lady who has a shop nearby that is open for fortune telling. She offers séances and reads tarot cards. One of the girls at work is having some problems, and wants to go see this fortune telling lady. She wants me to go with her.”
Q. Should Sharon go with her friend?
A. What does God’s Word say?
There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times/clouds (sorcerer/magician), or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto Yahuwah [the LORD]. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12a)
Regard not (do not turn unto) them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am Yahuwah [the LORD] your God. (Leviticus 19:31)
Brethren, if any of you do err (stray) from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)
Saul died for his transgression which he committed against Yahuwah [the LORD], even against the Word of Yahuwah, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it. (1Chronicles 10:13)
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9. Jim said, “There are some chores at work that are just too simple and menial for my talents. There are plenty of others that can do those jobs. Such a waste of my time to do such menial work. I try to be busy with the important things. But the boss is not happy with me. The boss makes my stomach hurt. I wish he would get off my back.”
Q. Should Jim change his behaviour?
A. What does God’s Word say?
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. (2Thessalonians 3:10b)
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Proverbs 26:12)
Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18-19)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise. (Proverbs 12:15)
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10. Carla said, “I want to enjoy life with passion and excitement. My parents lived such a dull, stupid life. Now I am on my own, and I want to experience all there is in life. I want to be free to be an extraordinary person, and experience the excitement of this world. That’s what life is all about. Right?”
Q. Should Carla have a different ambition?
A. What does God’s Word say?
What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1John 2:15)
And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said unto him, “You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you: then whose shall those things be, which you have provided?” (Luke 12:19-20)
Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 4:6)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Yahushua Messiah (Jesus Christ). (Titus 2:11-13)
Conclusion
The above examples reveal how God’s Word is as a ‘lamp’ and as a ‘light’ for our path, to guide us according to Yahuwah’s will. It is when we are walking according to the ‘Light’ of God’s Word, that we become aware of His love, protection, and guidance! We begin to have God’s Light the moment we begin to walk in Father’s ways, by following His instructions. We then begin to know Father’s promise: things will be well with us!
Yahuwah clearly wants us to avoid the way of the wicked, which is an abomination to Him (Proverbs 15:9). But when we walk in the ways of Yahuwah Elohim, then we become strong to resist the way that seems right:
There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)
The way of Yahuwah [the LORD] is strength to the upright (Proverbs 10:29a; see also Psalms 1 and Proverbs 14:12).
Living our life according to Father’s ways is our strength! There is great reward for us when we live according to His Word (see Psalms 19:7-11).
When we come to know Yahushua Messiah [the Hebrew name for Jesus Christ] as our Saviour, our heart yearns to be in harmony with God!
Thirsty Souls want to know the wisdom that comes from our heavenly Father! They have learned that studying God’s Word, and obeying it, is the answer for how to make wise decisions! (Psalms 119:130)
The Bible urges us over and over, to give our attention to the Words of Yahuwah [His Torah], to incline our ear to His Word, and continually put His Word before our eyes! (Proverbs 4:20-22) We are then to be obedient to Father’s Word, being sensitive to heed the Holy Spirit’s whispers.
God’s written Word is to become so much a part of us, that it is the central core of our heart’s desires and ambitions! His Word should be so much a part of our life, that everyone we encounter knows we are a Bible-believing person who honours Yahuwah Elohim and His Son, in all we do!
“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Let us therefore acknowledge Yahuwah [the LORD] in all our decisions, trusting Him to direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Let us learn the details of what God’s Word says, so we can make good decisions, and stay in His path.
The reward for knowing what God’s written Word says is that we are enabled by His grace to walk in it.
The reward for walking according to God’s Word is His LIFE within us to energize us, to comfort us, and to guide us by His Word, which speaks to us in all situations of Life!
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Related Articles:
- Thy Torah is My Delight
- The Torah: The Key to Unlocking God’s Word
- Obeying Torah is Not About Salvation
- Coming Home to the Truth of Torah
- My Path to Torah
- What Is The Purpose of The Torah?
- Under His Wings I Shall Trust
- The Wisdom of the Fear of the LORD
- The Key to Gaining Understanding
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Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul
Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul 
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