What started out as any normal adventure, quickly turned into the march of death, or so I recall…

Ryan and I were basking in the glow of wedded bliss, enjoying every moment of our new found freedom. Each evening we would take turns, selecting activities to fill our time before turning in early anticipating a new day. Our pursuits included watching the latest sitcom, puzzles and board games. However, on this beautiful summer night, we elected to set out for a walk.

I’d lived in Lynchburg, VA, for nearly two months prior to finding employment. We shared a car and other than church and shopping centers on the main roadway, most of the city was relatively new to me. What I didn’t realize is that to my groom, who had lived in the area for the past year, this part of town was undiscovered as well.

The trek began in a subdivision, close to our apartment building with laughter, chatting up various topics. We made a game about who would select the next direction at each stop sign, both assuming the other had some sense as to where we were headed. About an hour in, we realized nothing seemed familiar and started questioning whether or not we should turn around.

We decided to keep pushing forward, but soon discerned we had wandered into another county. At this point, we were completely disoriented not knowing how to make it back the way we had come.  As the moon beamed brightly in the sky, now four hours into this “adventure,”  panic and frustration mounted within me. Ryan, ever the “Chandler, to my Monica,” kept trying to encourage me by cracking jokes. (Friends fans will get that reference.)

Needless to say, we managed to find our way back that evening. Another few hours of searching led us to the main road and we resolved to walk along the highway until we finally reached our apartment building.

Life, much like our twilight stroll is full of twists and turns, not knowing which direction to follow.

King Solomon writes in Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)

Trust meaning, “to rely upon, to have confidence in someone, to lean upon another.”   

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to want everything “just so” before committing to a path; so the notion of trust is a difficult one to grasp. Surrendering control and allowing another to assume the position of complete authority often leaves me feeling overwhelmed.

But this is exactly what this passage is calling us to do.

Abandon our preconceived ideas of what we know to be true, in hopes that the outcome will yield a promising result. While that sounds good in theory, I have come to find, it requires practice and obedience.

Have you ever been part of a trust fall exercise? One person stands on a table or chair while the others “vow” to catch them.  The person on the chair has to lay aside what they think they know about those who are on the receiving end and simply fall.

It’s much like that when we lay aside our understanding and place our trust in the Lord. We often don’t see a clear path ahead but take a leap of faith that everything will work out in the end.

How then do we lay aside these fears to place our complete confidence in the Lord?

 Focus on His PROMISE

God’s word provides examples of his faithfulness to his people demonstrating his promise of protection and provision in the midst of trials. As believers, we too can find strength in our journey knowing that God’s character is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1, NLT)

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

 Focus on His PRESENCE

As we dial in on the promises found in God’s word, we can look to His presence made evident in our every day lives in the same manner. Take a moment to pause to view your fork in the road situation, how have you seen God’s hand in the midst? Maybe He has placed a certain person in your path at just the right moment or has given you the words needed to bless someone experiencing a similar situation.  

As we recognize His presence in the center of our situation, we often begin to see clearly His direction and plan for our lives.

 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:11, NLT)

 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. (John 14:16, NLT)

The journey of every believer is just that, a journey, a path of twist and turns. We will most certainly take detours along the way, however, due to his promise and presence, we know the Lord will provide direction for our path. Our ultimate goal as we seek a lifestyle of worship in light of this passage is to lay aside our understanding and trust an all-knowing God.