“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet & take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left” (Proverbs 4:25-27).
Some time ago, I attempted a short hike with my husb&. Although the path was not long, it was very rocky & uneven. After walking for a brief time, I began experiencing such back pain that I was unable to continue. We then tried another path, but became bogged down in mud. We ended our hiking & enjoyed a scenic drive instead.
This verse reminds me of that experience. My w&ering eyes have a tendency to lead me on to the rocky paths of examining other people’s activities & abilities. I also have moments when I am tempted to look backward, getting pulled down into the mud of my past life & the health I possessed then.
Those directions will not keep me on firm ground, but rather will lead me down paths of envy, discontent, & discouragement. An annotation to the above verse reads, “Consider the paths for your feet”. Where I choose to walk is a choice I must make. Every day, I can choose the firm direction of God’s Word & truth, having the assurance that He knows what is best for my life & is guiding & sustaining me as I walk. If I choose the uneven paths of comparing myself to others or of looking back, I become more lame & disabled (Hebrews 12:13).
Although Christ’s path is level & firm, it is not always easy. Some days the walk is pleasant & other days it is difficult. I want to finish this walk of life & arrive at my heavenly destination in victory, not defeat. By fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author & Finisher of my faith, I’m going to make it (Hebrews 12:2).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the faith to trust in Your direction for my life, rather than my own underst&ing. As I commit my way to you, You will direct my paths. (Proverbs 3:5.6). Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA & is blessed to have the support & encouragement of a wonderful husb& & three grown daughters. God’s grace & strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, & fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net & view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
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