There is a way which seems right to a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is a way of thinking that has permeated the church. A type of thinking that sounds good to the ear but is detrimental to the spiritual walk of the believer who has been commanded to delight themselves in the Lord. This thinking calls us to do what makes us happy, to fill ourselves with earthly pleasures, answer the calls of our desires recklessly and without wisdom and discernment. This type of thinking drives the individual out of the safety of assembly and vulnerable to the snares of the enemy. But there is a reason why this occurs, and a reason why the ears are easily tickled by vain things, the condition of the heart when far from God and unbelief of a God who promises joy and eternal fulfillment.
After Solomon had experienced all that the world had to offer as the wisest man to exist he writes in the book of Ecclesiastes “vanity of vanities, all is vanity”. His exploits and relationships had served as a distraction, drawing His heart away from a God who had blessed him with riches beyond what he could imagine. He allowed his Worship to become adulterated, leading his heart away from Yahweh.
Fortunately, God is merciful and faithful and Solomon was able to confess his own folly. But what of us? What path have we taken? Does it honor God? Are we delighting in Him? Do we believe that He wants better for us than we want for ourselves? Do we trust that He is good and nothing bad could come from Him?
I dare say we can’t believe because we don’t know Him. We can’t delight in Him because we spend no time with Him and getting to know Him through His word. And if we don’t know Him through the Word we can only experience Him through flawed experiences and earthly examples. Drawing near to Him is the only way our hearts can change and faith grow.
Matthew 6:33 tells us that if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness, all these shall be added to us.
Psalms 37:4 says that if we delight in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and He will make our path straight.
Isaiah 41:10 says fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
God wants us to find fulfillment in Him because He offers an eternal well of joy, everything else is temporary and can never really satisfy the yearning of our souls.