Paths of righteousness

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. - Psalm 23v3

I for one certainly need leadership when it comes to walking in the paths of righteousness. It certainly does not come naturally to me. My life-walk tends to be anything but righteous when I try it on my own. My flesh and true righteousness are not compatible on their own.

It is not always a matter of open, visible, rebellious sin, though I am not immune to even that. My problem tends to just be with everyday living and my every day path. When things don't go my way I get discouraged and disappointed. I want things to suit my way. In a sense that is just as bad as the obvious kinds of wicked living because they are both based on a focus on me.

The Great Shepherd leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake, not mine. His paths are always the right paths. Notice that word there, 'right' paths. If my path is truly right it will also be righteous. There is a promise here that He will lead me in the paths of righteousness, the right way.

The reason that they don't always seem compatible is that His ways are not my way. His ways and His thoughts are far above my ways and my thoughts. He leads me in righteous path, not for my sake but for 'His name's sake.'

It is not about me. It is all about Him. It is all about the One who loved me enough to send His Son to die for me.

His paths are the right paths. They serve to glorify His name. Should I not return the love He showed me on Calvary and be willing to follow His leadership?