Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 143:8 and 10

David Kramer reflects on the need to follow God's path in life.

David Kramer

We have a dog. Or rather, my wife has a dog and I have a wife who wouldn't be without dogs, (we'll be getting a second one anytime soon). If it was just me on my own then I wouldn't have one at all. I like dogs, but I know myself well enough to know that I would not fulfil all the responsibilities that go with keeping dogs.

We also have six children, (all adults now), who are scattered far and wide around the U.K. Getting to see them all while still living our own lives is quite a logistical challenge.

Stick with me, there is a connection.

Since retirement age is now not too far over the horizon, we began to ponder the idea of getting ourselves a motorhome. Then we (with dogs) could leisurely wander around the country visiting our children and grandchildren without taking up space in their homes. We could have holidays in it as well. Further thought has led us to decide we'll probably not get one after all, but that hasn't stopped us from examining any we see while we are out and about.

Back to the dog. On one of our regular walks with her, we passed a motorhome parked in the street. We peered through the windows to see what it was like inside and it was really nice. On the back window was a sticker with a picture of a motorhome progressing speedily along an open road in lovely countryside. Underneath were the words, 'Hopelessly lost but making good time'!

This got me remembering times when I've taken a turning, only to wonder if I'm on the right road, but not convinced either way, so I've just kept on going. Sometimes that worked out fine, as I either reached my destination, or saw a familiar sight that helped me get my bearings. Other times I ended up 'somewhere' and then had to find my way back.

Just like when we are driving somewhere, it is easy to think we know where we are going and what we are doing in life, especially if we've been doing it for some time. However we could be just ploughing on, following the road, without really knowing whether or not it's the right way anymore.

Change can be difficult - I know. I've been adjusting to a particular change for a couple of years now. I also know it has been a change God wanted me to make. If I hadn't been fully persuaded of that then I would have given up and returned to my original 'default position' and missed some truly great stuff as a result. Thankfully God was gracious and patient with me and still is!

Proverbs 16:9 says, 'A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps'. That means it's ok to plan, but not ok to set our plans in concrete.

It is neither my place, nor my desire to unsettle anyone. If you know that you're on the road God has for you, then keep going. What I am saying is, we need to be sure we hear that voice saying, '"This is the way, walk in it", whenever you turn to the right hand, or whenever you turn to the left.' Isaiah 30:21.

In fact we need to be secure enough in our relationship with God to resist, (often well meaning), voices trying to get us onto their path. This can be especially true if we are on the road less travelled, but it is the one God has put us on. It can be lonely at times.

At the same time we need to be careful not to just keep on keeping on out of mere habit and routine.

So what should we do?

Might I suggest we pause from time to time and, with the Psalmist say, "Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You....Teach me to do your will, for you are my God." Psalm 143:8 and 10