A Path Must Be Taken… So where do we go?

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12.

If there was a verse that seemed most applicable to this day and time and what we are experiencing as a nation, I believe it’s this one. Everyone has their own way, their own opinions, their own “truths”, their own perspectives, their own feelings… Need I go on?

It seems everyone wants their own “way,” and caving in to this sort of mentality and behavior is not panning out so well for America, nor the church. To place ourselves in a position where we make ourselves the focal point of what should be right and wrong puts us in a position where we are trying to play God, and ultimately, it leads to nothing but trouble and absolute chaos… and the proof is certainly in the pudding.  

As I sat disheartened before God, I couldn’t help but ask, “Lord, what must we do? A path must be taken, so how do we know where to go and who/what is right?” In God’s faithfulness to hear and answer, He calmed my heart and blessed me with a great set of verses to read that I believe contain a very timely truth.

 2 Samuel 22:31-33 says:

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock besides our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”

The answer for our chaos, confusion, division, and despair is to live a life completely yielded to God and His way. It means giving up relative truth for His absolute truth; it means giving up being led by all of our many swaying emotions and being guided by what is true; it means recognizing that we must trade in our striving to grow the shallow roots of our own opinions and perspectives, and to learn to be deeply and firmly rooted in the thoughts of God. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

As I found myself feeling confused at times with all that is occurring all around us in the year of 2020, and wondering what way is right, these verses clearly proclaim that it is always God’s way that is the right way. When I wonder whose words can really be trusted right now, these verses remind me that God’s words are always without flaw and can be fully trusted every moment of everyday. When fear seeks to take over, these verses affirm that God is that shield of protection that I can run to. When the chorus of loud voices constantly fight to be heard and declare their own righteousness, these verses remind it is God alone who is Lord of all and His words are supreme. When life seems uncertain and I begin to question what is next, these verses remind me that God has provided us with a firm foundation to stand confidently upon. And finally, when the storm continues to rage on, reminding me of my own weaknesses, these verses remind me that it is God who will continue to impart to me the strength and guidance I need to live by each and every day.

As I make this observation of what I see occurring all around me at an accelerated rate, I have to admit with an honest and humble heart, that I too have found myself among those who have longed to push their will and way. In the struggle to fight our flesh, God has given us a means in which we can see clearly and know the perfect way. He has given us the living truth of His word that actively works in our lives to constantly remove the scales from our eyes that can easily and quickly form, and as well as work to keep our hearts softened.

As we seek a way and a path to follow, let us seek to only follow His!