If you have done any hiking in Switzerland, you are probably grateful for those little yellow signs that are ubiquitous. The signs not only point out the direction of the next town or summit but also give you an estimated amount of time it will take to get there. Even when you have done all your planning, it is helpful to have those signs point you the right way.
There are times however when we have gotten a little lost. We have been exploring some of the pathways around our new home. It’s not always clear which is the right way even when the labels are there. And more than once we have found ourselves on the wrong path, which usually means everything takes a little longer.
Recently, we took a wrong turn and found the path getting steeper and narrower as we went along. It was a tough climb, but we made it to the top. There we discovered a much wider and easier climb would have been possible if we had paid attention to the signs more closely.
The Bible uses this imagery of pathways to talk about our choices in life. There’s a path that God has planned for us. And there’s a path that only leads to more difficulty and estrangement from him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
If you read Proverbs 3, you’ll see there are some things we need to do to stay on this path. It’s not always the easiest way. Humbling ourselves and giving thought to the needs of others may not come naturally. But God does want to see you on the straight path. You can trust his directions.
