“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Many years ago, my mom and I attended a women’s conference in Oklahoma City. I drove, as is our custom. I can’t remember if I had a GPS system or if I had printed out the maps from MapQuest (it was that long ago). Either way, I wasn’t all that familiar with many areas of the city back then, and after dinner, I found myself turned around, in the dark, trying to find my way back to our hotel. I missed our exit, which meant I was now heading away from the hotel instead of toward it, and I started to panic. We were lost, and it was my fault. I didn’t know what to do.
My mom, who doesn’t drive in the city and never has, said calmly from the passenger seat, “It’s okay. Just take the next exit.”
It was such simple advice, yet so profound. Many of you reading this probably think those instructions seem obvious. But it wasn’t obvious to me then.
I immediately calmed down, took the next exit, turned around, and then took the correct exit. We were on our way, and the rest of the drive passed without incident.
My mom’s advice has stuck with me, partly because I’m directionally challenged even with a GPS device and partly because it applies to life in general, not just driving. I also believe that when my mom stayed calm, it indicated to me that I could, and should, stay calm myself—there was no need to panic, even though my own mind was telling me otherwise.
When we worry, stress, or panic, we can go to God, who calms our fears and helps bear our burdens. What feels like an emergency to us is not an emergency to him. He sees beyond the wrong turn, the missed exit, and the road we never intended to be on. He knows exactly where we are and exactly how to lead us from there.
When I’m overwhelmed by circumstances and my thoughts race toward everything that could go wrong, I can look to him. He is not confused about what to do next. He is not wringing his hands over the situation. He is steady, faithful, and completely trustworthy.
Sometimes I want God to show me the entire route—to tell me where I’m going, how I’m going to get there, and exactly how everything will turn out. But often, he gives me only enough direction for the next step. And truthfully, that is all I need.
I can take the next exit. I can turn around. I can follow where he leads. Most importantly, I can remember that the God who knows the way is right there with me, every step of the way.
Dear Lord, thank you for being with us no matter what path we find ourselves on. You see the way ahead even when we don’t. Help us to trust you along the way. Amen.