I do a lot of hiking on nature trails. Sometimes I wander off the trail. While leaving the trail can be exciting, it is usually more dangerous, strenuous, and time consuming. Trails are laid out for our benefit, not to limit our enjoyment of nature.
Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Just as it is more difficult to walk uphill or off the trail, we make life more difficult when we don’t follow God’s instruction. When we leave God’s path for us, we encounter more obstacles and dangers. He leads us in paths of righteousness into the abundant life.
Reluctant Retiree 