Where Are You?
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. – Psalm 37:23-24.
Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. – Psalm 119:33.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the difference between Monterey, California and Monterrey, Mexico? A German translation group providing services for a United Nations conference found out it was about 1,500 miles, when they arrived in California for the meeting, instead of Mexico. Their travel agency planned their itinerary and sent them to the wrong place.
Something similar almost happened to General Sherman, and a group of about 50 men in 1865. They were on their way to an important peace conference with the Comanches at Counsel Springs in Kansas. Three days out of Fort Zarrah, their scout admitted to Sherman that he had no idea where they were; because their maps were of no use, and he didn’t know the area. But when Sherman asked if any of the men knew where they were, a young dispatch rider by the name of William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), confirmed they were heading south when they should have been headed west.
Proverbs 16:2 says, “All the ways of a man are pure (or innocent) in his own eyes….” The problem we have when we try to direct our own lives, and order our own steps, is that in our own wisdom many ways look good. If we are headed in the wrong direction, we will arrive at the wrong destination. Since life is unfamiliar, unknown territory for us, we should rely on Someone who knows what is ahead and knows the best direction for us to take. The only One who can do that for us is the Lord.
I once heard life described as being like watching a parade. At ground level, we can only see the floats and bands passing before us. However, if you were to be in a helicopter hovering above the parade, you would be able to see the beginning, and the end of the parade as well. God can direct us accurately, because He is able to see the beginning, the present, and the end. Not only that; in addition, He desires the very best for us, and will not mislead us.
Are you heading in the right direction? Are you sure? Maybe you ought to ask God if you are where you should be. A correction in course now, could save you not only miles, but heartaches and pain in the future. Allow Him to guide each step you take, through each day, and then no iniquity will have dominion over you.
(God can direct us accurately because He is able to see the beginning, the present, and the end.)