Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. Psalm 118:19
Gates are found in many places. They are put into place to keep something out or to keep something in, either way there is to be a separation. Every gate has a doorway in it that when opened one can walk through to get in or out of the gated area. Many gates are kept locked shut, only to be opened by the owner or with the right permission. There is limited access through the gate.
The psalmist asked that the gates of righteousness be opened so that he may go through them and to give God praise.
The world’s standards of what is determined to be right or wrong change on a regular basis. Most often is to be determined by the individual’s own preferences or beliefs as long as it does not physically or immediately harm another person.
Unlike the world, God has set a standard of what is right and wrong that is solid and does not change with time, circumstances or feelings. No person can walk that path of righteousness in one’s own power.
God has made a way in Jesus to get onto the path of righteousness. Through Jesus the way of righteousness has been shown and He is the gate in which one must go through in order to get to the Father in heaven.
When a person chooses to believe in Jesus, God opens the gate wide for the person to walk through into living a life of righteous living. This is living according to the standards of right living that God has set forth in the life of Jesus. He has also given His Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide the believer in that path to bring God glory and praise.
Following the world will lead you down a path that is confusing as to what is truly right or wrong. Instead of following the ways of the world, choose to walk through the gate of Jesus into the path of righteousness that He has laid out before you. Jesus came to give you an abundant life by opening the door to righteous and holy living that you cannot do in your own abilities or power. Since Jesus has provided the way, you must choose to go through the gate and walk in it to the praise of God.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know the righteousness of Jesus; that you will choose to walk in His righteousness and holiness; and that God will guide your every step and choice.
Picture by Stephen O’Donnell on Unsplash
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