The path of our life is full of roots coming out of the ground to trip us up, junctions where we must make a decision, and disappointing twists and turns. Often, we wonder if the compass God gave us doesn’t work for this world, or if we have been holding the map He gave us upside down the whole time. When we run into impossible decisions, or come to a dark and frightening leg of the path, we can easily lose confidence both in where we are going, and where we came from. But no matter how difficult our life becomes, or unsure the road ahead looks, we can be sure that we will always have a loving God guiding us, checking that we are in step with Him and able to keep up. We do not have to put blind and fearful trust in our Father, because He is not about to lead us off the edge of a cliff. Rather, we can put confident trust in Him, knowing full well that He has unconditional and unwavering love for us, and will guide us on the safest and best path. If we try to take control, and go down the path that seems best to us, without first consulting with our wise Father, we are sure to run into trouble. If we do not stay focused on Him at every fork in the road, and become distracted, wandering off the path completely, we stray from the safety of His guidance and are certain to become stranded, calling out for Him only when we are in serious trouble. Submitting to the guidance of His hand, we can have assurance in His faithfulness. Though we may stumble, we will not spiritually fall if we have His hand to stop us, and if we follow Him, loving, praising, and praying to Him constantly, He will guide us only on paths that will be in our best interest. If we become lost, we need only call out to Him and He knows our voice, eager to call back and guide us back to safety with His own patient voice. When we are frightened in the darkest times, He will illuminate the right way to go, warming our hearts and comforting our souls, leading us with His ever-present light of life. As we become weary, He unfailingly quenches our thirst with living water if we allow Him to lead us there, and He refreshes our soul if we accept His love. We may be tempted to follow our Lord grudgingly, or pout along the path, pulling away like a child if we are disappointed. But, we must realize that we are only disappointed because we thought we knew where the path was going, and built up false expectations. But often He is leading us past a trivial brook, not allowing us to stop, to get to a dazzling waterfall where we can bath in His glory. By waiting patiently and keeping constant dependence Him, He will show us that He works all things together in our life for the greater good and glorification of our God. If we trust in His love and wisdom, and faithfully follow Him, we will find that confidence in our steps comes naturally when we are in step with our Lord.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:6

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“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.” Psalms 37:23-24