The Well-Marked Path
Gravel crunched beneath the tread of our hiking boots as we steadily climbed the mountain trail. Suddenly, my son stopped. Where was the trail? Poking about in the undergrowth, we found it-- a weathered cairn, numbers crudely etched. I exhaled, we found the marker, yet I remained silently shaken. Why was this trail not well-marked?
The past few weeks I’ve listened as David encouraged himself in the Lord in my blog entitled Deep Roots. The prophet Jeremiah refocused his heart from his life’s “wormwood and gall” onto the faithfulness of God in the blog Change the Channel, and the writer of Psalm 42-43 regained his faltering foothold in What’s Wrong With Me? Their path began in desperation and ended as each declared trusting faith in verse or song.
As I listened to them, I watched for trail markers along their path. I wondered if I could replicate their journey and mark it well for myself and others. I often need to walk myself down this same path daily—even several times per day. I found a series of signposts that answer several questions hovering below the surface.
Who is He?
I have found that once I understand Who I am dealing with, it makes all the difference in the world. Each of these brothers cited, begins by reminding himself that God is from eternity past and transcends time and space. Listed below are a few Scripture references that will lead each of us along that same pathway:
John 1:1-6 Isaiah 53 Revelation 1:9-20
Does He Care About My Plight?
Scripture reveals God as supremely powerful, and transcending time and space. He is also portrayed as a tender warrior sacrificing Himself for our redemption. His tender concern is that of a gracious father. These men understand this and turn to God for deliverance as they pour out their plight. I, too have soaked in His tender presence as I poured out my heart in prayer. These Scriptures underscore this truth and urge us to unload our burdens before heaven’s throne.
Psalm 91 Psalm 37 Hebrew 4:14-16
Has He Delivered in the Past?
The God we serve is not an insipid weakling. He created the laws of nature and can alter them at will. He can dispatch angelic armies in a moment. He is the Lord of All Creation that stooped to live among us. The forces of evil knew exactly Who He is, and cowered in fear. Here is a sampling from Scripture:
Exodus 14 2 Kings 6:15-19 John 6:16-21 Luke 8:26-39
What does He want with me?
The Ancient of Days has gone to great lengths to redeem us. Scripture is clear on that point. But why—why would He go to such lengths? What does He want for us; what does He want from us? He desires a one-on-one relationship with each of us. He left heaven and came to earth in human form. His mission: become the pure and holy sacrifice by paying our sin-debt with His divine, yet human blood. He was human and could die a human death. He remained God while in human flesh and therefore transcended death. Since He has gone to such lengths to redeem us, He has the right to place a calling upon each of us. There is work to be done in His name. He desires that we carry out His calling in His power and His name.
David, Jeremiah, and the worship leader in Psalm 42-43, each revisit his ministry purpose, as it’s become clouded in their season of discouragement. Each finds renewed vigor as he does so. We can follow their lead and do the same.
Jeremiah 2:7-9 2 Samuel 7:18-29 Ephesians 2:4-10
Can I Truly Trust Him--In My Circumstances?
The Sunday school answer is a resounding “Yes!”. However, resting upon the character of our unseen God—even though He is revealed in Scripture, requires trust at an altogether different level. It is quite impossible without a firm conviction in His character—that happens through experience. Our Old Testament brothers settle into a trusting peace despite harsh circumstances. Standing upon the bedrock of Scripture, each resolves to wait for God to act on their behalf. Here are examples of them and others doing the same in Scripture.
Psalm 27:7-14 Psalm 130 Habakkuk 3:17-19
As we follow this well-marked path, we too can stand strong as we walk ourselves down this path toward trusting faith at any time. We too can stand firmly upon Scripture and say along with them:
”I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27: 13-14