Finding my way home

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  -Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Imagine yourself hiking through heavy woods on an unfamiliar trail. You’re an experienced hiker, but an unexpected storm blows in and your progress is slow. Too slow…. As night falls, you know you need to get back to camp, but now it's dark, it's cold, it's slippery, and the terrain is treacherous. You stick to the trail as best you can, hope you're moving in the right direction, and proceed carefully, never knowing what is around the next bend or over the next rise. (Wait, didn't you already cross this creek?) You're fighting panic. It's going to be a long night, if you make it out at all. 

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.  -Proverbs 3:7-8 (NIV)

Now imagine you have a friend who knows you were out on the trail and should've been in by now. Your friend has a helicopter equipped with a spotlight, knows the region well, and has thermal imaging night goggles. You hear the chopper before you see it and breathe a sigh of relief. Before long, your friend is overhead, lighting the way, shouting instructions via bullhorn. You're going to make it!

This is a simple story but it's been the story of my life. I like to think I am smart, clever, resourceful, capable of avoiding most problems and navigating through the ones that are unavoidable. But all too often, I find myself faced with situations that seem overwhelming. Sometimes they are of my own making. Sometimes they are completely out of the blue. Often they start out pretty normal, but then go pear-shaped and I find myself in over my head. God uses all these situations to remind me of my need for Him.

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.  -Proverbs 3:21-26 (NIV)

My friend has never left me lost out in the woods. He offers His perspective, His guidance, His wisdom, His aid. I would have to be a fool to turn down help like that!