“He guides me along the paths that are right for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3b
That should bring us comfort but so often it causes us to resist. Resist His guidance. Resist the paths that are right for us. Resist putting His name above ours.
As my pastor says — often — “We want what we want when we want it.” Yeah. That.
And yet . . .
We will easily put our lives into the hands of human guides. Whether it is white water rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, or fishing, we place our trust in these guides to bring us through the rapids or up the cliffs safely. We believe that they know the best route with the best views or the best places to throw in our lines.
These companies want to do what’s best for us, not only so we have an enjoyable experience, but also so that their company’s recognition increases and their reputation remains intact.
We check reviews, and should we be satisfied, we will not only agree to follow all their rules and instructions, but we also are willing to sign our names to wavers and agreements that say should something unforeseen or bad happen, they aren’t held responsible.
God is all about the business of the world. He created it and He is redeeming it—one person at a time. He can get us anywhere safely—through treacherous waters or dangerous overhangs with tenuous holds. He knows the best routes and the most beautiful experiences. And He does this because these paths lead to righteous living and bring glory to His name. All He asks is that we trust, follow, and obey.
And there we are again. Do we really trust Him? Do we really believe we will be happier if we don’t get what we want when we want it?
As the old hymn says. “Trust and obey. For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
That should bring us comfort but so often it causes us to resist. Resist His guidance. Resist the paths that are right for us. Resist putting His name above ours.
As my pastor says — often — “We want what we want when we want it.” Yeah. That.
And yet . . .
We will easily put our lives into the hands of human guides. Whether it is white water rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, or fishing, we place our trust in these guides to bring us through the rapids or up the cliffs safely. We believe that they know the best route with the best views or the best places to throw in our lines.
These companies want to do what’s best for us, not only so we have an enjoyable experience, but also so that their company’s recognition increases and their reputation remains intact.
We check reviews, and should we be satisfied, we will not only agree to follow all their rules and instructions, but we also are willing to sign our names to wavers and agreements that say should something unforeseen or bad happen, they aren’t held responsible.
God is all about the business of the world. He created it and He is redeeming it—one person at a time. He can get us anywhere safely—through treacherous waters or dangerous overhangs with tenuous holds. He knows the best routes and the most beautiful experiences. And He does this because these paths lead to righteous living and bring glory to His name. All He asks is that we trust, follow, and obey.
And there we are again. Do we really trust Him? Do we really believe we will be happier if we don’t get what we want when we want it?
As the old hymn says. “Trust and obey. For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
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