Ponder Your Path

March was a mixed bag. We witnessed God orchestrating some pretty miraculously things in the middle of some pretty heavy stuff. My heart grew heavy as we watched new arrivals, friend we've walked with for 2+ years, deconstruct their own path. It was shocking and came abruptly after years of prayer, planning, and preparation to come to Thailand. Within a four-hour timeframe, the decision was made, and we were left holding the pieces. Though we believe this to be God's grace for our lives and our work, it was a tough pill to swallow. Many hopes and dreams, gone in an instant.

I've tried making sense of it all, but none could be made. That process brought me to this verse in Proverbs ...

"Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." Proverbs 4:26

Ponder your path.

True godly wisdom comes when we pause and ponder where our feet travel. God is not hasty in any of His decisions. In fact, the more I read His Word, the more I'm in awe of how strategic our Father has been throughout the history of the world. From creation to Revelation, God is weaving all things together for His divine purpose. His heart for us is not to be distracted away from the path of wisdom, but to carefully consider what we do and how we live. God clearly maps out two options for us in Proverbs 4.

The Path of Wickedness (Proverbs 4:16-17, 19, 24)

There is no sleep or rest for those who follow this path. They are committed to evil and satisfied when hurting others. Violence is their choice of fuel. All their words are devious and dishonest. Since they wander in the ways of evil, they don't know why they stumble or where exactly they are going. This way is only darkness and gloom.

The Path of Righteousness (Proverbs 4: 10-11, 13, 14-15, 18, 21-27)

Abundance dwells on this path. It is only ever straight, seasoned with God’s wisdom and eternal life. But walking this path also means vigilance and proactive measures. If you hold tightly to God's Word, guarding your heart, and avoid evil at all cost, you will find life and health. You will speak directly and honestly. The Lord Himself will be light for your feet and keep you steadfast.

"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday." Proverbs 4:18

When life turns upside-down, one can do no better than hide away with Jesus and allow Him to heal the brokenness. So we took an impromptu beach trip for 2 nights with the two interns that are living with us for 9 weeks. The second morning I woke up early at 5 AM to watch the sunrise. The sky was already vivid that early in the morning. The entire experience felt holy and healing, listening to the wildly crashing wave, watching men walk their cows along the shoreline, and taking in the breathtaking colors as dawn took center stage.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.“ Isaiah 55:8-9

There are MANY promises God makes for those who choose the path of righteousness ...

1. God will direct your steps and delight in your lives (Psalm 37:23).

2. God will hold you with His hand, even when you stumble (Psalm 37:24).

3. God determines your steps (Proverbs 16:9).

4. God holds the course of your life & delivers you from the enemy (Psalm 31:14-15).

5. God's Word guides your feet and lights your path (Psalm 119:105).

6. God's purpose prevails in all your plans (Proverbs 19:21).

7. God teaches you how to live and shows you where to go (Isaiah 48:17).

When we shine God's Word over our circumstances, the why's no longer matter. We can bank on God's character and His goodness. I will keep moving forward on the path of righteousness He has called me to travel, because He promises to be with me every step of the way. There is freedom, life, and joy in choosing Him.

After being inspired by my daughter's poetry assignment, I wrote a poem the night after everything fell apart. I keep going back to it as a declaration of my trust in the Lord during this season. He has me in His hands. I will see His goodness and sovereignty played out in my life. Jesus has dealt bountifully with me all the days of my life and I will continue to follow Him.

When chaos tries to steal,

Be still and let God heal.

His loving arms,

His strong embrace.

My tears are many,

They state my case.

All authority and dominion are His,

Unfathomable peace He freely gives.

Even when the path looks dim,

My future is bright NOT grim.

There is no reason to fear,

When Jesus is so near.

Closer than any brother,

More loving than a mother.

Though a season be filled with sorrow,

There is hope for every tomorrow.

I will never doubt God's sovereign grace,

A gift of strength to run my race.

"My Race" by N. Downey

March 12, 2022