God in the Journey of Life
This morning we hosted a “nominating petition signing party” at our home. It was good to have many friends and neighbors stop by and show their support. This afternoon, I had some help in covering about 125 houses as we began our door to door walking campaign. Thanks to all those who have been supportive and encouraging in this effort.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5,6 ESV
Psalm 37 contains some very familiar and encouraging verses. When they are placed in sequence, they form a sense direction and assurance of God’s presence throughout our journey in life.
It is important that we, as Solomon admonished, “trust in the Lord in all [our] heart.” The verse above is David’s “version.” “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him….” We also read the familiar verse, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV)
The goal of our life is not to coerce the Lord to be with us, but for us to be sure we are following Him and allowing Him to go before us in all that we do.
The importance of this is seen in these verses, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23,24 ESV)
Life will certainly have its ups and downs. There will be challenges, mistakes and failures. But when the Lord is directing our life we can have the confidence that, “our failures are not fatal.” When I read these verses, I think of the Lord lifting Peter from the waves of the sea when he sank in the sea of Galilee, as he was walking on the water.
The testimony of those who follow the Lord and allow Him to be their source of trust and help is reflected in these verses, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 ESV)
At the end of life, when we reflect on the journey of life, we will be able to observe and testify to the goodness of the Lord. Even when trials come and disappointments and delays are part of “our” plan we can see the Lord working in our behalf and for our good.
Understanding how the Lord desires to work through the course of our life, in the journey of life, the psalmist offers this simple advice, “Stop doing evil and do good, so you will live forever.” (Psalm 37:27 NCV)
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the words of encouragement, assurance and direction we find in this one psalm. Allow our hearts to be filled with hope and peace as we commit this day and all our days to You.