Two Paths

Psalm 1:6

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin. (Psalm 1:6 CSB)
Psalm 1 ends the same way it began by presenting two paths with two destinies that are polar opposites of one another; one leads to life, the other leads to ruin. There is no third option!
The very beginning of verse 6 begins with a promise that God WATCHES over those who choose the path of righteousness. This promise indicates more than just an awareness on the part of our Heavenly Father; it indicates care, guidance, intimacy and relationship. It is the promise that God walks with those who walk with Him. It is the promise that God is NOT distant from the lives of the righteous; it means He is actively involved and attentive to every step. Peter writes, For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil [to oppose them, to frustrate, and defeat them]. (1 Peter 3:12 AMP) His words echo those of King David, “For the Eternal watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to the prayers. He is always listening.” (Psalm 34:15 VOICE)
Even when the path feels uncertain or difficult, we can trust that our way is not hidden from Him. Nothing is wasted, and every step taken by faith never goes unnoticed. In contrast, the way of the wicked leads to ruin. Not because God is cruel, but because a life apart from Him will ultimately collapse under its own weight. One path is watched by God while the other is left to ruin. This is a reminder that direction matters. It is daily denying ourselves, taking up our crosses and following Him. It happens through small choices and quiet obedience. It happens through time spent meditating, and feasting, on His Word.
This is the invitation God extends to each and every person, to walk the narrow path He knows, because it is the path that leads to eternal life.