Driving in the Dark

I recently found myself driving home on the freeway after dark. So many fires have been burning across California that the smoke hung heavy on the road. It was difficult to see the lane markers in front of me, and as it was, I could only see those directly in front of me. I was starting to get anxious. I wanted to stay safely in my lane. Gripping the wheel, I maneuvered cautiously down the freeway, keeping my speed at the posted limit while other cars zipped around me in the dark. I kept praying to the Lord to show me the way, to help me make it safely home.

My nighttime drive is the perfect analogy for trusting God. In our lives, we can’t see the whole road in front of us, just pieces, and that can be anxiety-inducing. We want to know what’s ahead. We want to see the solutions neatly laid out for us. We want the questions answered. But God doesn’t work that way. He wisely and knowingly lays out the paths of our lives so that all we have to do is take the next step before us. God doesn’t weigh us down with all the life events that are to come. He says there is enough worry in each day: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

Instead of worrying about tomorrow, God calls us to trust Him. He will provide the lane markers to keep you on track and going in the right direction (Isaiah 30:21). He won’t let you stumble. So take heart as you place your trust in God’s timing and His plan. It may seem dark and daunting, like the freeway did that night, but like He did for me, He will guide you safely home.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV