“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:5 ESV
Have you ever been involved in or witnessed a traffic accident? I will never forget the Spring day that I was driving along and suddenly caught a glimpse of another car speeding towards me. In that moment, there was little I could do short of bracing for the inevitable impact. Thankfully, only my car was damaged. My children and I did not suffer any major injuries. How did this happen? I later learned that the other driver had lost control, crossing over several lanes of traffic before smashing into my car.
I couldn’t help but to think about how there are clearly marked lane lines on our roads to prevent this very thing from occurring. When drivers respect the road and ‘stay in their lane’, we can all drive safely without fear of harm and accidents. These traffic lanes are intended to keep us safe and simultaneously give us the liberty to take the most wonderful journeys. In this same way, God has clearly marked lanes for how we are to live our lives and conduct ourselves through His word.
The Bible is full of wisdom on how we can commit our thoughts, character, plans and actions to Him. While some feel that God’s word is restrictive, it is purposed exactly like the traffic lanes: to keep us safe from harm. Ultimately, there is the most freedom when we commit our lives, plans, thoughts and actions to the Lord. Through His word, our loving Father gives us the option to safeguard our lives by staying in the lanes He has marked for us. By living a life that is both pleasing and honoring to Him, we are committing and trusting that His will for our lives is best.
How can we be sure that we are staying in our lane? We can spend intentional time in prayer each day to sincerely seek the will of God in all areas of our lives. We can submit the desires of our hearts, our dreams, fears and worries to Him. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in identifying what actions we can take versus what things we should allow God to handle. We can forego worrying about and comparing ourselves to the lanes that others are in. We can live a life that is pleasing by acknowledging God in all that we do and trusting that He will intercede on our behalf.
Reflection
Are there any areas of your life in which you are out of your ‘lane’? Are there areas, people and or situations in your life that tempt you to do your own will before seeking the will of God? Ask God to show you if anything in your life is out of alignment with His word and will for your life.
Prayer
God, thank you for loving us as completely as you do. Thank you for loving us enough to give us guidelines to safeguard our hearts, minds and lives. God, search my heart and reveal the ways I need to commit my hopes, dreams, plans, relationships, finances and worries to you. God, help me to trust that you will lead me to righteousness and let my life be a reflection of your love and perfect will. In Jesus name. Amen.
Photo by Vusal Ibadzade on Unsplash
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