I am notorious for getting lost in the woods. Just ask my kids. When I suggest a hike, they immediately ask
if they should bring survival gear and leave a note for their loved ones. Really?
I mean, yes, one of our 3-mile hikes turned into 6. And, I must confess, I gave up navigational
control to my 12-year-old during one of our romps in the woods after an hour of
walking in circles. In my defense, the
path was poorly marked.
Staying on the path is important. And knowing where you are going or how to get
there keeps you from praying for a rescue while you endlessly circle the same
pine tree. Psalm 34:15 says that the
Lord looks towards the righteous and hears them. God watches over everyone, but
He seems to take a particular interest in those who are righteous. So, what does it mean to be righteous?
Righteous, in Hebrew, is tsadiyq which means one who is
straight and does not depart from the way of God. It is
not one who lives a religiously pious life but is one who follows the
correct path; the path of God. It is
following God closely. How He does
things. Having the same character as
Him. And we do that by studying His Word,
talking to Him, doing things His way, and paying close attention to the path and
not veering from it. Seems simple, doesn’t it? It can be when we are blessed with a path that has huge neon signs where
hot dog vendors and lemonade stands line the way. However, there are times when the path is marked
by old weathered wooden signs or piles of rocks where the path is not so clear,
and you are required to pay more attention or get lost.
Unfortunately, just like those hikes with my kids, I have gotten
lost numerous times in my spiritual walk. It happens because I don’t always pay
close attention to the path. It’s there
but I am distracted by what’s around me and then find myself in the middle of
nowhere. I don’t take the time to check in
with the One who leads me. Then, to make things worse, I think I can get back
on track by myself. Like I can channel
my inner Bear Grylls from Man vs. Wild
clawing my way up deep ravines, making hammocks out of reeds, catching the dew
with a leaf frond, and eating bark.
Following God’s path takes full concentration and constant
checking-in. We can’t just go rambling
about our day and not expect to get lost.
However, when we do, James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it
will be given to him.” Without reproach. No, “I told you so’s”, “What were you thinking?’
or piling guilt and disapproval upon you. God is generous and gracious and
leads us back to the path. He will do for you what He does for me. He takes my
dirty hands, helps me out of my pitiful attempt at a hammock, gives me water, throws
away my meal of bark and seeds, and leads me to the path lined with all that I
need. My Hero. My Guide. My Father. Much better than Bear Grylls. Though if you do find yourself gnawing on bark, pine is the best. We'll talk later.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on
your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your
paths straight.” (Proverb 3:5-6)
Staying on the path with you today,
Lisa
No comments:
Post a Comment