Which path?

TODAY'S READING: Psalm 27
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life? Do you ever look around and wonder what to do? It could be a feeling of hopelessness. Or discouragement.
I believe these are the emotions that David was struggling with as he wrote this Psalm. He seems to be on this emotional roller coaster ride. The battle between hope and despair. The conflict we all experience between the moment and the bigger picture.
We would all love to have every problem solved immediately, wouldn't we? Don't you wish that every time you faced a difficult time you could wave a magic wand and fix it? I know that there are times I feel that way.
But David realized and wrote about the real cure for struggles in life. While he still had a hard time being the man he needed to be, David understood where his real hope was found. He knew that life was not easy and challenges were inevitable. But David also knew that God is the true source of strength.
In the face of attacks, the house of the Lord provides protection.
When troubles come, God is our sanctuary.
When our enemies surround us, we offer praise to the Lord.
Even when everyone else abandons us, God is there.
And the ultimate peace is found by the way we live. Although God is always there, we must be willing to remain in His presence. Even though God is constantly faithful, our faithfulness will determine our path.
In the face of danger, David asked God to teach him how to live and guide him along the path of honesty. He remained brave and courageous because David knew he was walking with God. He patiently waited for God because God was with him and he was with God.
When we face struggles and challenges in life we tend to revert to trusting ourselves. We want things fixed on our time schedule. We ask God where He is while we walk away from Him. We have a hard time being patient as the Lord walks with us through hard times.
The next time you face a difficult time in life, which might be right now, ask yourself this one question. Am I telling God where I want Him to take me or am I listening to Him for the path He wants me to take? The answer to this question can determine the outcome of not just that situation, but of your life here on earth and into eternity.

shine!
Jason