Wednesday "Text"

Wednesday Text: Psalm 119:33-37 (Read Psalm 119:33-37 HERE)

(Recap) We are in a series at Ridge Church called "Text". For most people reading the Bible is something they categorize as an activity only the "professionals" participate in. So our goal is to get everyone to dive into the Scripture for the themselves during this series. Each day I'm writing a brief personal/devotional thought on the "text" for the day. Start small but start somewhere!

Path of Least Resistance
You've heard the phrase: "Path of least resistance." Some times---most times? the right thing to do isn't the easy thing. There is something in me (and you) that gravitates toward the path of least resistance. Internally we ask: How can the conflict be less? What will minimize the pain? What will reduce the disappointment? Is it really hurting anyone? Will they be upset if I tell them? And it is this type question that often determines the paths we take or the decisions we make.

However sometimes the right thing is to speak up but the easy thing is to be silent and tell ourselves "it's not my business." Sometimes the easy thing is to bend your standards this one time but the right thing to do is to stand firm even if it costs a relationship. Sometimes speaking the truth hurts people's feelings--it's not easy but it's right. Sometimes the easy thing is to make excuses for wrong behavior while the right thing is to own it, say I'm sorry or it was my fault. Sometimes the easy thing is to talk about someone but the right thing is say that same thing to that someone. But we all tend toward "the path of least resistance."

Defined: [The path of least resistance] describes the pathway that provides the least resistance to forward motion by a given object or entity, among a set of alternative paths. The concept is often used to describe why an object or entity takes a given path.

In today's "TEXT" the Psalmist seems to be aware of that same tendency "to take the path of least resistance". Two times (verse 36-37) there is a request to God to "turn my heart...turn my eyes." As if he is saying "God without your help my heart and eyes naturally turn toward the path of least resistance. Help me! I'm asking you to turn my heart and eyes toward you...even when it isn't easy and doesn't make sense." ---I prayed that today!!