Trusting God's Guidance in the Darkness

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He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.

 Psalm 23:3b ESV

I had no idea where I was or where I was going.

Darkness enveloped me, and the glimmer of my car’s headlights did little to help me see. My grip tightened around the steering wheel as I slowly wound higher up the mountainside. The tires periodically slipped on the remaining patches of ice from the recent storm, and I practiced slow, deep breathing as I searched for any signs of familiarity.

Somewhere in the darkness, I had missed the turn leading home. “Lord, please help me,” I whispered after the road increasingly narrowed upward. With no place to turn around, I stilled my nerves and begged God for guidance. The only way to go was forward, so I steadied my foot on the gas pedal.

Just like that winter night long ago, there have been many times in life where I’ve found myself in similar circumstances, unsure of what was ahead and feeling like I was fumbling in the dark. In every one of those places––long years of chronic illness, grief, financial struggles, and uncertainty––I found myself wondering what God was doing.

But through the darkness of those unfamiliar seasons, I’ve found comfort in Psalm 23 and King David’s words: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

This psalm portrays God as a good Shepherd who is leading and caring for His sheep. It reminds me that I don’t have to know where I’m going, how long it will take to arrive, or why He has led me up the winding path. I only have to trust Him.

It was a long time before my car’s headlights shined down the driveway of my home. And to this day, I still have no idea how I found my way to safety. But I’m certain it was the Lord who led me, protected me, and delivered me.

Friend, are you walking an unfamiliar path in total darkness? Let me assure you that you are not alone in your trial. The One who created the heavens and the earth is with you. Although we cannot know the timing, Almighty God will dispel the darkness, lead you to safety, and take you home. He is trustworthy!

Prayer

Dear Father, sometimes I feel lost and afraid as I travel down dark and unfamiliar paths. Thank You for reminding me that You are always with me. Assure me that You are guiding me. I trust You to lead me safely home. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Ponder

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. ~ Psalm 32:8 ESV

What season in your life felt like you were traveling through darkness? How did God bring you safely through it? How does this encourage you in your current season?