“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Prov. 3:5-6
Heavenly Father, some decisions we make are 100% personal preference, others merely require sanctified common sense. But then there are the life-choices in front of us that tie us in knots, rob us of sleep, and fuel our fears. Thank you for your promise to “determine our steps” (Prov. 16:9). This doesn’t make us fatalistic robots, but your beloved children.
Indeed, life isn’t primarily about making the right decisions, but trusting the right God, and that is you. Seeking to honor you in our decision-making and giving you whole-heart trust—these must take precedent over the lure of newness, change, and relief from boredom. Help us, Abba.
You promise “straight paths”—not warm hot tubs, stationary bicycles, or permanent dwelling places. Paths remind us of our journey towards life in the new heaven and new earth, and our glorious destination of becoming fully like Jesus. Free us to make every decision in light of these two grand realities—heaven and Jesus-like-ness. And remind us that “straight paths” aren’t always rock-free, smooth asphalt, under blue skies, or just the shortest distance between A and B.
Indeed, the best decisions won’t necessarily be pain free, but they will never be Jesus, grace, and growth absent. Abba, help us seek your Son more than we seek to make people happy, make ourselves comfortable, or make believe the grass is greener “over there.” Keep us in the Gospel-lane, as you take us further down the promised pathway Home. So Very Amen.