Driving in the dark

I'm enjoying a blissfully relaxing weekend with a good friend at her farm. Since it was a five hour drive, I had plenty of time to ponder different aspects of my life. Being severely directionally-challenged, I requested step by step instructions to reach her place. (North, South, East and West don't mean a thing to me unless I have a working compass in my hand.) Just give me landmarks and tell me whether to turn left or right...the better method every time. I'm not sure a gps would even be beneficial to me...but that's another story. I was somewhat worried knowing that the majority of my drive would be made after dark, and the last stretch was mosly county highways and back roads. I trusted that google mapquest knew the way, and with my handy map in hand, I set out on my adventure!

The first part of the drive was fairly simple...just stay on the northbound highway and stay awake. As soon as dusk came, I was immediately more alert, which was a good thing because my phone was dying slowly but surely. I navigated the exits and turns and was very thankful to have arrived in the cities after rush hour was over. As I neared my destination, I called my friend and she graciously agreed to meet me so I could follow her the rest of the way. Knowing that my phone only had a limited number of minutes before giving up the ghost completely, we kept our conversations short and to the point. It was determined that we would meet at a McDonald's just a few miles from her farm.

This last stretch of the journey turned out to be the most difficult for me. I knew I was looking for a county road that would jog over and get me to the next highway, but I had no idea how many miles until I arrived there. By now it was pitch black outside and the only thing I could clearly see were the headlights of the vehicles behind me. The road had abundant curves, and not being familiar with the way, I had no idea where I was going. I had to trust that my friend had given me the right directions and that google was a reliable source...all the while frantically praying that I wasn't driving deeper and deeper into the middle of nowhere.

Then it struck me. This is my life right now. I have no idea where I'm going or what God has for me in the future. Often I feel as if I'm driving blindly through the night not knowing where the next bend in the road will take me. But I can rest assured because I know the One guiding me wants what is best for me. Yes I will experience uncertainties and perhaps fear along the way, but that is only to remind me that I am not the one in charge of my life. In the end I will arrive exactly where my sovereign Father wants me to be. I just need to trust that He knows the way.

Eventually I did arrive at the road I was searching for and my friend was there to show me the way to her house. :)

Psalm 62

Recently a good friend challenged me to read this psalm and post my thoughts, and she would do the same. This came at the exact time I needed some tough love and accountability. I will never cease to be amazed at God's perfect timing in bringing someone alongside me to spur me to growth. Thanks, Regina -- you are a true friend.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation."

• not for a husband
• not for an adventure
• not for my debt to disappear

For God ALONE!

"He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."
If I rely on Him for everything, my life is so much more stable. I don't need to worry about all the unknowns, because I know that He knows and He is there for me. He is my salvation -- such a small word with a tremendous impact. If I really lived like I believed that, these struggles would seem so small in comparison.

"Trust Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
Trust Him at all times, not 'sometime' or 'mostly' -- ALWAYS. He wants me to pour out my heart before him...hold nothing back. He already knows, but wants to know from me. The psalmist repeatedly pours out his heart before God, and then turns around and praises Him for who He is. My father wants to show me His character up close and personal, but in order for that to happen, I have to draw near to Him. The times I learn the most about God's character is when I experience those qualities because everything else has been stripped away and that's all I have to lean on.

"Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath."
No matter your station in life, or income, eventually life will come to an end. In the broad perspective, this life is so fleeting when compared to eternity. So why do I become so materialistic? What will these 'things' profit me?? Nothing. I have so much more to live for, and for that I am so thankful.

"...that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love..."
When I am inconsistent, unfaithful and apathetic He remains the same...and He Loves me! More than I could ever imagine. That takes my breath away. Nothing I have done or ever will do can change that. What wondrous love is this!
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(the following is something I wrote back in June when I last read this passage)
Trust my child -- ALL is taken care of. Sit here quietly and watch Me work in and through you. I don't need your help, just a willing heart, joyful soul and content mind. Don't be afraid to wait, your future is in My hand. Be faithful where I have placed you and know that I have plans for you. Plans to grow you...never give up hope. Never. Just trust -- simple childlike faith. Give it back to Me. I was always in control.
~God