He Will Direct Your Paths
We enter into a new year, 2024. Our cheer masks our hidden fear. There are the unknowns of tomorrow. The path is not yet trod. The footprints are not yet visible, and the unseen paths are not yet travelled.
We live in ‘uncertain’ times, a world plagued by economic, political, moral, and social uncertainties. What about interest rates and the ‘crumbling’ economy under the crushing weight of a multi-trillion-dollar debt or the next unfolding political drama on international stage? What about the inferno of wars and more wars and the mounting and increasingly ‘unmanageable‘ mental and healthcare crises?
And in that world, we continue to wake up each morning, feed our families, go to work and send our children to school.
But it’s difficult to ignore the deafening sounds of those real-life concerns. They do affect us and shape how we live. Who can we trust in our day and age? Where do we find peace and rest from all the disturbing concerns?
We can look to the New Year and to the future in one of two ways. One way is to see only stormy seas, ourselves riding on the crest of the turbulent waves. You look far into the distance and that’s all you see. You hope for the best as you weather the vexing pathways on the boisterous seas. You may be a victim of chance and circumstance. That’s one outlook.
Another way is to see not only the stormy seas. But you look into the far distance and you see the silhouetted horizon where sea and sky meet; at the point where time and eternity meet. This silhouetted horizon casts its light over the dark stormy seas. It reminds me of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. He came out of the boat, walking on the water to go to Jesus. But when he looked at the water, he saw that the wind was boisterous, and he became afraid. He began to sink, saying, “Lord, save me!” But when he looked at Jesus, he could ride the crest of the waves!
Similarly, in the New Year, we must look to the Lord who holds all things, times, events, and circumstances in His hands; even the waves of uncertainty! Nothing is left to random chance.
The Bible says, “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). Trust Him, and He shall direct your paths. This is certain. This is His promise!