Proverbs 3:5-6  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Recently I did my morning run at a state park in Tennessee. During the run, I ventured off the main path and took some trails into the woods. The trails were winding, muddy, and laced with tree roots. I had to focus on the path to keep from tripping or twisting my ankle. After a while, the trail ended, and I had to retrace my steps on the winding, muddy, rooted path. That’s what happens when we leave the main path—we travel on dangerous dead-ends. Scripture provides instruction for a better route.

If you want to take the God-ordained journey, here are three “signposts” to follow:

Trust in the Lord. Who better to follow than the One who built and blazed the trail? I am not saying the journey will be without some challenges. But Christ always knows the best route to take.

Don’t trust in yourself. Our understanding is blurred by self-interest. If Jesus leads you on the path to the right, stay right, even if it “feels” like you should go left.

Acknowledge him in all things. Recognize God’s work every day in every area of your life. Be aware that he is with you at all times in all places. Communicate with him—not just in your morning “quiet time”—but all day. Acknowledging God in all things is the heart of true worship.

Many trails will be tempting, inviting, alluring, and even fun…for a while. But they are all regrettable dead-ends. Follow the Leader. He will keep you on the straight path…all the way to your final destination. 

Father, deep in my nature, is the desire to go my own way and do my own thing. Give me the desire to follow you alone. Give me the strength to resist dead-end trails. Give me a love for the straight path. Give me the determination to follow hard after you.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.