Mid Week Devotional

"Obstacles"

August 4, 2021

Old Buses

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

If you have been a reader of these devotions over the past year, you have become acquainted with my jogging route that took me through some woods along a path to the main road. You have seen the path in winter snow, in fall colors, and even fog. A few weeks ago I wrote about how my path was changed from the placid woods to a more utilitarian purpose. The picture shows where the well worn path of twelve years used to go, now with signs of its new purpose. I have obstacles to go through to get to my road. Yes, I have obstacles.

And if you are like me, gentle reader, I am guessing the past week has presented more than its fair share of obstacles into your route as well. I suppose obstacles are a part of the journey, and let’s face it, over time, even the most familiar street or road gets a facelift from VDOT. Obstacles are a part of life, and changes are a part of the journey. In some seasons we have the resiliency to face the changes, and even manage to effectively grow. In some seasons, changes and obstacles can bring us down a notch or two. Changes , especially sudden changes can even trigger grief to return making the obstacles bigger, and the change harder to grasp.

Usually when I find myself facing an obstacle in a difficult season, I turn to the Psalms. Psalm 25 was written by King David. It is a Psalm requesting protection and guidance. Placing his trust in God, King David knew that God had a plan for him, David just needed to be willing for God to teach him about God’s plans, God’s ways, and to rely on God to help navigate through the season.

I am not sure where you are in your journey as you read this devotion. I pray you are well. And if you are like me, the current season of uncertainty may be particularly hard. So many possibilities, so many questions, too few answers, no clear path. So where do we turn? Let’s turn to the God who loves us and calls us by name. Let’s trust that even though we have no control and no answers, that God does. Let’s press on and keep moving forward, even though the path may be blocked, obscured, overgrown, or even taken away! God has a plan and God has a path. Like King David, let’s choose to trust in the Lord and let him guide us to a brighter tomorrow.

PRAYER: Gracious God, we want to journey and keep pace with the season of life. But sometimes there are obstacles and we just are not sure of the next step. Lord, lead us. Lord, teach us. Lord, guide us. Lord, we trust you and we know you hear our prayers. Grant us your peace. Amen.