The Way Is Still Right

 

“Who is wise? Let them realize these things.

Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” — Hosea 14:9

There comes a time when life feels like it’s asking us for answers we no longer have.
Even leaders—seasoned, polished, well-versed—can feel lost.

You may be the one others turn to, but inside, you're stumbling through invisible terrain.
The path forward seems unclear.
The way back? Even harder to find.

But Hosea 14:9 draws a clear line:
There is a path. And it’s still right.

The Ways of the Lord Are Right

God’s ways are not random. They are righteous.

“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.” — Psalm 25:8
“The Lord is just in all His ways and kind in all His works.” — Psalm 145:17

In a culture where right and wrong seem to shift with the times, Hosea reminds us: the ways of the Lord haven’t changed.
They are still upright (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Still a refuge for the weary (Proverbs 10:29).
Still paved with steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 25:10).

It is we who drift.
But the path remains.

“The meek will He guide in justice; the meek will He teach His way.” — Psalm 25:9

When we are willing to listen again, surrender again, walk slowly but honestly—He begins to lead again.

The Righteous Walk in Them

Who are the righteous? Not the flawless.
The righteous are those who walk with God—even when it’s hard.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but delights in the law of the Lord… He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” — Psalm 1:1–3

Noah was called righteous not because he was perfect, but because he walked with God in a corrupt world (Genesis 6:9).
Daniel chose the path of integrity in a hostile system—and God gave him wisdom ten times greater.
Joseph walked uprightly through betrayal, false accusation, and obscurity—and God was with him through every valley.

“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of His saints.” — Proverbs 2:7–8

The righteous don’t always feel strong.
They simply stay on the path God lays before them—trusting His character, even when the road narrows.

But the Rebellious Stumble in Them

The same path that brings peace to one, becomes a stumbling block to another.
Why? Because rebellion is not about behavior alone—it’s about refusing to walk God’s way.

“The way of the Lord is strength to the upright:
but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” — Proverbs 10:29
“The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” — Proverbs 4:19

Many stumble not because the path is unclear—but because pride won’t let them yield.
Self-dependence blinds.
Hardness of heart delays.
Rebellion disconnects.
But even then, God doesn’t shut the gate.

“Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them…
for My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. — Isaiah 55:7–8

The gate may be narrow—but it is open.
And Jesus stands there, not with judgment, but with mercy.

There Is Still a Way Back

The message of Hosea isn’t condemnation—it’s invitation.
God pleads with a wandering people:

“Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.” — Hosea 14:1
“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely.” — Hosea 14:4

That same mercy flows to you.
If you’ve stumbled, there is still a way to rise.
If you’ve wandered, there is still a way to return.

But it begins with surrender.
Not performance.
Not perfection.
Just a humble step in His direction.

Jesus said,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6
And through the cross, He didn’t just open the way—
He became the way.

The Path May Be Narrow, But It Shines

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” — Proverbs 4:18

God doesn’t call you to walk alone.
He levels the ground beneath your feet.
He lights your steps with His Word.
He guards your journey with His presence.
And He promises: if you walk in My ways, I will walk with you.

A Word to the Weary

You don’t need to sprint.
You just need to return.
One prayer. One step. One quiet surrender.

The Lord knows how to speak a word in season to the weary (Isaiah 50:4).
Let that word be yours today:
“The ways of the Lord are right.”

Even if you've stumbled—He can steady you.
Even if you've strayed—He can restore you.
Even if you're afraid—He can walk you home.

 Final Promise

“The Lord is a refuge for the upright…
He clears a straight path for those who walk with integrity.” — Proverbs 10:29; Psalm 25:9
“He will teach sinners in the way… He will instruct those who fear Him in the way He should choose.” — Psalm 25:8,12

Prayer of Return

Lord, I have wandered.
But I hear You calling.
Teach me Your way again.
Lead me by Your truth.
Restore what’s broken in me.
And help me walk in Your way—
one step, one day, one choice at a time.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.