Show Me the Way

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

Reflection

What comes to your mind when you read that verse?

When you were younger, did you ever think God was actually showing you the way to live? Even though I felt connected to Him growing up, I don’t know that I would have said He was guiding my steps. Looking back now, I can see He was. At the time, I simply didn’t recognize it.

Years ago, during what I often call my “Tour of Duty in Hell Version 1,” my oldest sister gave me a copy of the poem Footprints. Like many people, I had heard it before, but during that season it struck me differently.

The poem describes a man looking back over his life with God. Most of the journey has two sets of footprints, one belonging to him and one to God. Then, during the hardest season, only one set remains. The man asks God why He abandoned him when he needed Him most.

God’s answer is simple.

“My child, that is when I carried you.”

Even writing those words still brings a little emotion.

Have you ever had a season when God carried you?

Not rescued you from every hardship, but sustained you through it? Strengthened you when you had none left? Quietly kept you moving forward one day at a time?

Most of us like to believe we can handle life on our own. We wear the bumps and bruises like badges of honor. There is certainly value in perseverance, but there are also moments when the strongest thing we can do is surrender. We have to let God carry what has become too heavy for us to bear.

Looking back, I can see many places where I climbed into His arms without even realizing it. He didn’t simply carry me through those seasons. He taught me while He carried me. Thankfully, I was willing to learn.

The older I get, the more I see His fingerprints everywhere.

I see them in the man looking back at me in the mirror. I see them in creation. I hear them in the wind through the trees, the crashing waves, and the quiet trickle of a stream.

God is always revealing Himself. The question is whether we slow down long enough to notice.

When we become still, surrender our agenda, and simply give Him room to speak, something remarkable happens. He begins to show us the way of life.

Maybe that’s what David was celebrating all along. Not simply that God gives us eternal life someday, but that He faithfully shows us how to live today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for faithfully showing me the way. Thank You for the times You have illuminated my path, carried me when I was too weak to walk, and patiently taught me along the journey. When life places obstacles in my way, help me trust that You are still leading me. Quiet my heart so I can recognize Your voice, follow Your direction, and walk the path You have prepared for me. Thank You for Your Word, for the lessons You continue to teach me, and for allowing me to share what You are showing me. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.