“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;” Psalm 37:23
When we talk about living and the span of a lifetime, we often refer to it all as our journey. The journey of life is a lengthy one, and so many things take place. If we follow the pattern that many human beings take, we will spend the first several years with our families. As we grow into young adults, we decide what we would like our futures to be, and soon after, step out into the great big world, finding our independence.
The basics are where the similarities are the greatest, but the remaining factors of the journey are very diverse. Some families will focus on earthly possessions, being driven to have bigger and better. Other families will struggle to make ends meet, working hard to make their money stretch as far as possible to feed and clothe the children. Some households are only looking to the near future and living according to life currently, while other households have their eye on a prize that is years further down the road.
The beauty of the journey doesn’t rest on the material things that are accumulated. The beauty of the journey is from a life well-lived that is full of things from the heart. Not every family has access to earthly riches, but every family has access to all that God offers if they will simply allow Him to lead.
A person can have great possessions yet feel completely empty in his soul. Another person may not know where their next meal is coming from yet have peace and joy that money cannot buy. The difference is in having a soul that is complete in Jesus.
The Spirit of God and a life surrendered to His call and leading open up an entirely new world. When the Spirit is in charge because we’ve allowed God to take over and guide us in life, we are no longer functioning on human knowledge and feelings alone.
As Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
What an encouraging scripture because He knows the way when we do not!
The Word of God also tells us how we can attain all of the inner blessings that money can’t purchase. Receiving His Spirit allows beautiful things to grow within us, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Handing over the reins of our hearts to the Lord for this journey called life will not only impact each of us but will also reach our families for generations to come. We can change the future of our family trees!
For those of us who don’t have a clear direction of where we are going, please let Jesus join hands with each of us and allow Him to lead the way. He will never steer us wrong, and instead, with give us abundant life on this beautiful journey. After all, He does know where we are going!
