Following When the Road is Unclear

Read Psalm 37:23-40

Psalm 37:23-24

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; 24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Years ago I was driving on I-57 through Effingham, IL in near white out blizzard conditions. There were times when I lost sight of the road in front of me and I probably should have stopped, but I was a young college kid and I didn't have a whole lot of quit in me at that point. I'm thankful for the times in my life when the Lord watched over me in spite of my poor decisions.

Just as I was about to park on the side of the road and to wait out the storm, a semi-truck passed me. In its wake were clear tire tracks that laid out a path for me to follow, and as long as I kept a safe distance behind the truck I could stay on the road by driving in the tracks.

In our text for today we are told that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. The used of the "ordered" does not mean that God physically forces us to follow His lead. Instead, it means that's God's ways are laid out for us in order. It's up to us whether we follow or choose our own path.

The key words in the verse are “good man.” A good man delights in the way of the Lord and does not go against the path the Lord provides. A good man does not seek to carve his own way because that will likely end up in a ditch. Instead, he patiently waits for the Lord to lead so he can follow.

Psalm 37:37 says, “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright, for the future of that man is peace.” The recurring theme of our Psalm today is that God guides and rewards those who remain in His wake. For those who follow God’s lead, peace is your reward.

You may feel like you are driving through a storm right now with limited visibility, but before you give up let me encourage you to keep your eyes up and wait for the Lord to go ahead of you. In time God will arrive and provide tracks for you to follow. He will lead you!

Right now you may feel alone and neglected, but you’re not! You have been marked for rewards and peace will soon be yours. Patiently wait as your leaders establishes the path ahead.

Lord Jesus, I know that all my steps are ordered by you. Give me patience to wait for your leading. Give me strength to follow your ways when the world pushes hard for me to carve my own path. I trust in You, in  Jesus Name, Amen!

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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