When Facing What Seems Insurmountable

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of our ways acknowledge God and he will direct your paths.

The Children of Israel faced so many moments when this Proverb had to seem, well, rather empty. Remember when, after 400 years of slavery, they faced the Red Sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. Remember when they were taken to Babylon and promised, by God, 70 years of exile? Remember when they felt far from God and ended the book of Lamentations with this text, “Unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure”(Lamentations 5:22).

But, each time Israel fell into deep trouble, each time it seemed as if God was far from them, somehow, they trusted in God and they followed God and indeed, God directed their paths.

Have you ever felt at a dead end? Have you ever felt that you were facing your own Red Sea and the hoof beats were not far behind? If you have not, as my Mother would say, just keep on living, the day will come. If you have, of if you are, may this text and the community of faith in which you live and serve bring your comfort and offer you hope.

Prayer: God of the Hebrews, God of Jesus, God of my brother and sister, my God, I trust you to keep your word and to direct my paths in ways of health, hope and healing; now and always. Amen.

Practice: Tonight as you prepare for bed, spend at least one minute praying for the direction you will take in the next few days. Ask God to order your steps and to direct your path.