A STRAIGHT PATH

 

A STRAIGHT PATH

 

I remember when I moved to New Hampshire, and being unfamiliar with where anything was, I would mapquest directions. I don’t think the GPS systems you would put in your car were out yet.

I had moved from Arizona, where construction was always being done on the roads, to keep up with all the people moving into the new homes being built. New freeways were being connected to the current ones and roads to the freeways were being widened.

If I wanted to go somewhere in Arizona, that was 10 miles away, I could count on it taking me about 10 minutes. I was used to straight paths and speeds from 45 to 70 MPH.

I soon learned 10 miles in NH would take me at least 20 minutes or more. My paths were not straight and then if I added in some winter weather it could take me well over an hour to go 10 miles. I loved my straight paths in Arizona. I enjoyed getting where I had to go without spending so much time on the road.

With straight paths I would often be late, even if it was just a minute or two. With the windy roads, in New Hampshire, I was most assuredly late and not just a couple of minutes. I had to plan better and take my time navigating through those windy roads. At times the scenery would be so beautiful, I was glad I had to slow down to enjoy it.

This brings me to these verses in Gods Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 143:8

Most of us have to venture out of our homes daily, for one reason or another. I love the days when I don’t have to go anywhere at all. In todays world, you really don’t’ have to leave your home. You can have grocery’s delivered, work out at home, work from home (in some cases) , and even see your doctor on a screen. Nice conveniences, but probably not the best way to live. Human contact is important. Not always enjoyable (did I really just put that on paper? LOL)

Going out and driving in many places can be frustrating. Let’s get real, life can be frustrating. These verses remind me how to get ready for each day.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I will trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.    Psalm 143:8 ESV

If you need to know about God’s steadfast love, The Prescription for Love is available Just send me a message and I can get it to you. The Prescription for love tells me how God loves, I then know I can trust Him. I just need to ask Him to make me know the way I should go. As I lift my soul to Him, there will be no guessing, I will KNOW.  I want to know, don’t you?

I do have a problem being distracted. It’s not that the places or things the distractions take me to are “so bad”, it’s what the distractions are taking me from that I don’t like. I’m pulled away from sitting quietly, reading and hearing God’s voice. If I want to KNOW the way I should go, I can’t if I keep going to the “place of distraction”

Like I mentioned before the windy roads made me slow down and provided some beautiful scenery. I had to adjust my life to take those roads. I had not choice sometimes to be on those roads to get me from point A to point B

Most people, I know, like to take the most direct way to get to their destination.

When I wanted to get to God, I tried to go other ways. To get to God, I found that there was only one way (that’s what the Bible, God’s Word says).” I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6 ESV  (See our daily bread-Jesus said “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life article for a more in depth reading on this)

There will be twists and turns in my life and yours. It will take extra time to navigate through. I want my path to straighten out. I know the one that can straighten it out. I realize I need to do something in order for this to happen.

“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 straight your paths.”  Psalm 3:5-5 ESV

As I acknowledge God in ALL my ways, I know my paths become straight. Do I acknowledge God in ALL my ways ALL the time….no…and my paths start to get windy even muddy at times. When I  see my path straighten, and know I’m on the right road, I don’t have to start speeding. I will get where He leads in His timing.

I think of the song Carrie Underwood sang “Jesus take the Wheel”.

We should let God drive us, our thoughts, and choices on the open highway of our life. Will you let Him instruct you and teach you in the way you should go and counsel you with His eye upon you?  (Psalm 32:8)

May you always know His presence on your path. If you need help to start your mornings with His love I can send you “The prescription for Love “. Just send me a note.

Be safe out there on the road!

Eva Popek

1/3/2024