Looking Down the Road




It's funny how the Lord puts something on your mind and then a friend calls who needs encouragement about that same matter. But why should I ever be surprised? That's how God works in and through us.

As you look down Hyatt Lane in the valley of Cades Cove, the mountains appear on the horizon but the road disappears from sight before getting there. It's pretty clear what you will encounter on the drive in the visible distance but there is an uncertainty about what lies ahead beyond our sight along the journey to the mountains.

Sometimes we go through difficult times (living in the valley) and we have a yearning for that mountaintop experience that takes us away from the pain, worry and frustration. We can mentally visualize what that might be like to be free of today's stress, and once again find peace and enjoy life... BUT, there are decisions to be made and uncertainties to be faced in the journey ahead that we cannot anticipate.

What do we do? Learn from Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

I could write so much about what you've just read, but I want you to read it again and again until God's Spirit teaches you its meaning for when you're looking down the road, it's always best to:

LOOK INWARD - determine the state of your heart
LOOK UPWARD - seek God and trust Him for your future
LOOK AROUND - God will grant you favor
LOOK FORWARD - take the path God lays before you

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