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Listen while you read: "Hosanna Loud Hosanna"1 (Lyrics) |
Since we moved last December, we have had to tell several people what our new address is, and when we start to tell them how to get to our place, they tell us that they have a GPS which will show them how to get here, in detail even.
I am of the generation that uses road or street maps whenever we have to find a road or a place, but now, everybody seems to have these modern devices. Some cell phones even have GPS functionality, so I have been told. These devices will tell us exactly where to go; all we have to do is follow the instructions.
And these thoughts reminded me of the time when we lived in the Netherlands during the 1970s. The choir director of our church, who was also an accomplished singer, was the soloist in a big concert of sacred music in Rotterdam. We lived just north of The Hague, so it wasn't far to go. Everything was fine until we entered the city, but it wasn't long until we were lost. We consulted the street map we had, but we were unable to find the concert hall. Finally, in desperation, I hailed a taxi and explained to him where we needed to go. "Just follow me," he said. We did, and we arrived in time to enjoy an evening of fine music.
And isn't that the way it is in life so often: trying to find our way and getting hopelessly lost or sidetracked, unable to find our way! We might check the various human "road maps" we have to see how we can get back on track. But quite often, this is to no avail. It appears that nothing we do seems to work, and we end up going around in ever-decreasing circles trying to find a way out of our problems.
But when many of us have experiences which seem to upset our lives, we will bring them to God in prayer or pick up the Bible, and then, all of a sudden, the words of Scripture will jump out at us, and we will see the road ahead much more clearly.
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (NKJV)
Matthew 11:28 – Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (NKJV)
Psalm 23:2 – He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. (NKJV)
These quotations are just a few out of a multitude of similar passages throughout God's Word. When we have problems, when the troubles of this world overwhelm us, when we want to know His will in some area of life, when we're seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or when we desperately need His encouragement, comfort, or wisdom, we can easily find the help we need in the pages of Scripture.
Think of the Bible as Jesus giving us His Word to follow, telling us how to lead our lives. When we just don't know which way to turn, it's as if Jesus says in Scripture, "Follow Me, and I will lead you to your destination with peace in your heart."
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, there are so many times in our lives when we try to find a solution on our own; so many times when we seek a path to follow without You. We pray that You will always give us the wisdom to seek Your will. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Good reminder Joel.
A good one as usual Joel, Thank you. As an aside, we too, do not use GPS.
Joel, I loved your message with assurance you gave reminding us when we are burdened our Lord is indeed the one who is there to comfort and guide our every step. Thank you.
Dear Joel Jongkind,
Thanks so much for a way-finding devotional. “He leadeth me, oh precious thought…
Keep writing.
Joel,
Thanks for a great reminder and writing, for sharing your talents for the Kingdom.
(CA)
Good morning Joel;
Your message was once again very timely with the imagery and language ensuring its impact.
Well done again Joel. You are indeed a faithful servant.