“Commit your way to the Lord!”
Psalm 37:5 (Common
English Bible)
Perhaps there is
no more familiar image in the Bible than the image of the road. We encounter it
everywhere. From end to end in the Bible our life is compared to a journey – a
journey that is rarely direct or easy. Along any journey circumstances change
often requiring a change in how we move toward our destination.
The people of
Israel leave their captivity in Egypt and travel toward their own land. But
fearing that difficulties along the journey would result in the people becoming
fearful and turning back, God leads the people not by the shorter route but in
a roundabout way of the Reed Sea desert (Exodus 13:17, 18).
After the magi
have honored the new born baby, Jesus, they return to their own country “by
another route” having been warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12).
Saul, on the road
to Damascus to persecute Christians who are living there encounters Christ and not
only experience a conversion to the Christian faith but his name is changed to
Paul (Acts 9).
Means of travel
along the road is different today than in biblical days but what remains the
same is the unexpected. Illnesses, loss of a spouse or close friend, career
change or any number of unplanned circumstances position themselves along the
journey each demanding a change of course. Life is filled with complexity and
progress becomes slow. We are not surprised that Israel might have become
discouraged on the road to God’s Promised Land. Obstacles along the way can do
that.
But pay attention
to the “road stories” in the Bible. Though the pace and direction of the
journey had to be adjusted according to each unique circumstances God always
remained on the road with God’s people. Those who trust in the Lord never
travel alone. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and obstacles is
vital to moving forward successfully. It is committing our way to the Lord and
trusting in God that holds us steady until we have arrived at our destination.
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