ARE YOU TIRED OF WALKING THE SAME OLD ROAD FOR MILES AND MILES?

SCRIPTURE:
I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding 
(Psalms 119:32)

MEDITATION:
Chances are you have never heard of CINO, 
but maybe you have heard of RINO 
(which stands for “Republican In Name Only”).
CINO is something I made up, that stands for “Christian In Name Only”.

My reason for CINO is that I fear that there are many people who are 
claiming to be Christians, but have not found God’s path for them.
Of course, only God knows who they are, 
but I believe that He loves us all and wants everyone to get on His path.
Why? Because He knows the blessings in store for those who walk in His ways.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper 
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 
(Jeremiah 29:11)

The first question we should ask ourselves is, 
“Do I believe God’s promises?”
And if we do, then what is preventing us from finding the path of believers?

The next question we should ask ourselves is, 
“Do I really want to get on His path?”
In other words, do we enjoy the path we are on too much to make a change?
If that’s the case, 
then the answer to the first question has to be, “No!”, right?

If we have read that He has great plans for us, and yet we choose to stay 
on our current path (filled with potholes of troubles and disappointments), 
then by default we must be thinking, 
“God, I hear You, but I don’t believe You!”

The last question we should ask ourselves is, 
“If I truly believe that God has a better path for me, 
and I sincerely want to change paths, then how do I get there?”

We can’t just “wish” ourselves over to the path He has for us, 
it requires some effective changes that we must make, 
and that’s where we can learn from the Psalmist.
Just like the Psalmist, we have to start with heartfelt and specific prayer.

We should ask the Lord to teach us about His ways.
Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, 
that I may follow it to the end. (Psalms 119:33)

We should ask the Lord to give us a new understanding of His expectations.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law 
and obey it with all my heart. (Psalms 119:34)

We should ask the Lord to provide us with His guidance.
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
(Psalms 119:35)

We should ask the Lord to change our hearts.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 
(Psalms 119:36)

We should ask the Lord to help us to refocus our attention.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. (Psalms 119:37)

We should express our belief in His promises to us when we “change paths”.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 
(Psalms 119:38)

We should ask the Lord to give us a new attitude and a new outlook on life.
Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. (Psalms 119:39)

We should ask the Lord to create a new desire in us to follow Him.
How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. 
(Psalms 119:40)

ACTION:
Are you tired of the futile path you are on?
You may have known for a long time that you have are missing out 
on God’s blessings and His nearness, 
but you continue to procrastinate in trying to find Him.

God may have sent me this devotional today as a means of encouraging you 
to say to yourself, “I have waited long enough; it’s time for me to change!”
Are you ready to make the necessary changes to find God’s path for you?

If so, then use the advice the Psalmist gave us in God’s Word.
Remember the Psalmist (David) was considered “a man after God’s own heart”.
It all begins with a change of your heart and desires; 
either continue on the path of the world, 
or make a quantum leap to the Lord’s path for you.

Wouldn’t you agree that anything and everything that is good for you, 
is worth the efforts required to find them?
Does that mean you will no longer have fun, and enjoy life?
No, it means you will have an even more enjoyable life 
that is saturated with joy!
Never forget that ‘God is for you’ but ‘the world is not’.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I am tired and weary of the disappointments I continue 
to experience while traveling on a path that has been influenced by the 
world. I realize that any path other than the one You have chosen for me, 
is futile and will not provide the many blessings that Your path promises. 
Forgive me for charting my own course, and help me to leap from my path 
to Your path for me. Thank You for the words of the Psalmist that provide
me with instructions for making this transition!”