The Paths before Us

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it (NIV).'” Isaiah 30:21 

A winding path among the rock formations

Life is a journey of paths to take, to explore, and yet to be explored. In this image, I love how the rock formations seem to lay out a winding path... they invited my feet to follow, but they led to a cliff.  Sometimes paths lead us, sometimes they take us. We must discern the difference, following not where life would take us, but where God is leading.

Life is a journey,

That is written page by page,

Paths we take are recorded,

Upon our heart's stage.

They can diverge,

In a tree-studded wood;

The right one to follow,

Is not always easily understood.

But if we look for the sun as our compass,

We can find our bearing, our direction, true north.

And if we look up to the Son,

He will direct us, laying out our course.

Guide my steps, Father,

Shine Your light upon my way,

Lead me to the path, everlasting,

Guard every word that I say.

For with every footfall,

I leave an imprint for all time.

May my story bear the image,

Of Your hand, holding mine.

For as we hike through the wilderness,

Or end up with a view of a mountain peak,

I will praise you here on earth,

And will lift my voice, it's You I seek.

Thank You for walking beside me,

I see Your hand marking the rocky trail.

As we explore this life together,

I know Your love never fails.

A Prayer for the Journey: I take Your hand, Lord, and follow where You’re leading, with courage, faith, and confidence. Guide my steps, keep my footing sure, my way pure, and my walk marked by wisdom. You have put specific people in my life, and I can see these words playing out, like music written upon my heart. They are part of my path also. As I seek You, Father, use me to encourage, to heal, to bind up hurts.

Only You know where the path leads and what story You are writing about our lives. May we cooperate with Your Spirit, be submissive to the twists and turns, and to the hidden areas of the trail. Let our trust never waver, knowing You are the Compass, the One who will lead us home! Amen.

A Short Bible Study:

Psalm 25:4-5, 32:8, and 143:8-10, John 16:13, Proverbs 4:25-27, Deuteronomy 5:33, 

and Isaiah 48:17

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©