Recently, Todd and I fulfilled an item on our bucket list: a visit to the Grand Canyon. (And no, that’s not either of us in the image above!) If you’ve had the privilege of seeing it in person, you know there are a few words that come to mind as you stand on the edge of what seems to be a bottomless abyss.

Majestic.

Awe-inspiring.

Beautiful.

Imposing.

Impressive.

Astonishing.

Unbelievable.

And yes, scary!

We took our time meandering along the Rim Trail for a bit, and there were some places where it made us dizzy. Looking down into the canyon with nothing between us and falling off the side of the mountain…let’s just say it was sobering!

There was little danger if we kept our eyes open, our feet steady, and remained on the path. We trekked for about a mile, spent some time enjoying some of the many spectacular overlooks, and then made our way carefully back down. But consider how the story might have been different if we had been foolish enough to stray off the path, approached it with no sense of self-preservation, or decided to take the hike while not of sound and sober mind!

Psalm 17:5 – My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped.

That walk on the rim of the canyon is a great illustration. Scripture uses the analogy of a path many times to describe our walk of faith. We are told the way to eternal life is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). We are to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides our feet on the path God has planned for us (Isaiah 30:21). He leads us in the path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3), and His Word is a light for our path (Psalm 119:105).

And I love this one in Psalm 37:23-24, because there are certainly times when we stumble on the path! How reassuring it is to know that God holds us securely.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.

The writer of Proverbs reminds us that those who hold tightly to the wisdom of God “will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble” (Proverbs 3:23). He also warns, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:19).

God’s Word is like the trail signs along the way, guiding us and preventing us from wandering into dangerous areas. His commands serve as the guardrails and rock walls designed not to restrict our enjoyment of life but to provide boundaries that protect us from the enemy’s desire to steal, kill, and destroy us. Though the path may be steep, His ways are perfect and will lead us to eternal life.

We take our lives—physically and spiritually—into our own hands when we stray from the path God has set for us.

When we think we know better…

When the “danger” appeals to our flesh and pride…

When we believe we can take a shortcut…

When we assume the rules don’t apply to us…

Here’s one more comparison. Maps are available that tell you which trail leads to which part of the canyon. Those who stay on the prescribed path will reach the intended destination. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular vistas, and at the end of the hike, find yourself exactly where you wanted to go.

On the other hand, take off on your own path and you’re sure to end up somewhere you don’t want to be…and you might run into a snake or two. Or, even more sobering, find yourself at the bottom of the canyon with no idea how to get home.

There’s only one path to eternal life. Scripture is clear, and God has given us the map. The wise person trusts the One who created the path to get us home safely.

Psalm 143:8 – Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul.

What if you’ve already strayed from the path of wisdom and blessing that God intended for you? If you ask for His help, God will not leave you abandoned. He has provided His Holy Spirit and the Word of God to guide you back to the abundant life He intends for you.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 – You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Teaching: The Word shows us the path.

Reproof: The Word reveals where we’ve strayed from the path.

Correction: The Word tells us how to get back on the path.

Training in Righteousness: The Word shows us how to stay on the path.

Are you on the path? Have you begun your walk with Christ by repenting of your sins and putting your faith and trust in the finished work He accomplished on the cross? Are you walking the path, abiding in Him? Or do you need a course correction to return to the path?

Don’t put the abundant life in Christ on your bucket list! It’s available now, if you’ll just stay on the path!