As a teen I chose to take roads that
were considered lawful, following the rules of my parents, society, and my own
high standards. To most people I was
considered a ‘good’ girl who never got into trouble. I think because of that I have great difficulty
accepting when my teens do not always make the same choices. It bothers me to see them headed down roads
that lead to trouble, sorrow, long term consequences and where they could even
get physically hurt, but I can only advise (which means they don’t always
listen).
I guess all parents go through that, and
it is probably the reason why the saying ‘hindsight is perfect’ is still used
today. And I’m sure the Lord feels the
same way when His children chose the ‘bad’ roads of life that lead to trouble,
sorrow, long term consequences and possible harm. Do you ever wonder why you don’t find
rest? I used to, but I kind of
understand now. See, whether you are
godly or ungodly, troubles will come your way.
(Jesus to
disciples) …In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I
have overcome the world. Jh. 16:33
(thlipsis- tribulation- pressure affliction, anguish, burdened,
persecution, trouble)
For He makes
His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the
unjust. Mt. 5:45
But no matter what comes our way, we can
determine the path we take, even through the hard times. That path can include the Lord in part, step
by step, or not at all. And that choice
leads to erratic peace, complete inward peace, or little peace, in that
order. Of those three choices, I hope to
remain in a state of complete inward peace which means I need to walk step by
step with the Lord, on the path He has chosen for me, not on the path I would
chose for myself and which has so often gotten me into worse trouble.
Yet the Lord
pleads with you still: Ask where the good road is, the godly paths
you used to walk in, in the days of long ago.
Travel there, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, “No, that is not the road we
want!” Jer. 6:16 TLB
So the Lord says to us, ask which is the
good (godly) road and travel that one.
In other words, we need to ask the Lord which way to go first. Then we need to act on that information by
choosing to walk that road. If we walk
that road with the Lord each step of the way, we may just find the rest we are
looking for and so desperately need.
Or we can make the childish (or
teenager choice)…
No!
I want to go my own way!!!
He has shown you, O
man, what is good.
And what does Jehovah
require of you but to do justice and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with
your God?
Mic. 6:8