Keeping Faith When There Are Forks in the Road
October 9, 2014
In every conversation I’ve had with anyone in their twenties lately, one thing has repeatedly been clear to me. None of us really know what we’re doing.
Almost everyone has quit their jobs recently, relationships are moving into new and unfamiliar stages, housing and living situations are up in the air and we are all just trying to figure out what’s next for us. Someone recently was talking about the year 2017, and I was flooded with a feeling of I have no idea what the heck I’ll be doing in 2017. I don’t even know what next month is going to look like.
I know in my mind that God’s plans are good and perfect, but I wrestle with that in my heart and I know I'm not the only one. I wrestle with knowing undoubtedly that although nothing in my life is sure or steady, His plans are solid.
In a season of our lives where everything seems to be swirling around us and moving in warp speed, how do we rest assured that God’s plan for us is trustworthy and a strong foundation we can build our lives on?
In reading the Message version of Psalm 19, I was struck by the simplicity of the verses and the boldness of the truths. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
Do we live like that’s true? Or do we get off track because we are distracted by the neon lights and the flashy things around us? Do we trust that the signposts of God really point out the right road, even when it seems like that path is harder and scarier?
I think about times I’ve gone exploring on trails by the James River here in Richmond. Often, I come upon a fork in the road and I’m forced to choose which path I want to take as I keep going. Sometimes I can see clearly for a good length down the path and can anticipate what that walk will be like. Sometimes, I can’t see around the bend and I have no idea what is up ahead.
In a season for many twentysomethings that is full of uncertainties and paths we can’t predict, I think our choices are less about the decisions we make and more about where we are placing our faith and trust. I think it matters less if we pick path A or path B, if we choose this job or that job, if we choose to live alone or live with roommates, etc., and I think it matters more that we build our lives upon Christ who is the solid Rock.
His signposts for living are clear and point out the right road. They might not point out which job we should get or who we should date, but they point out that we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. They point out that it’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.
His life-map shows us the way to joy, and that kind of joy isn’t found in another person or a career path or a location or our bank accounts. That kind of joy is found in life with Him. It is when we root our lives in God that we will stand firm, despite the changing seasons and despite our circumstances, however chaotic and confusing they may be.
Even when we have no idea what we’re doing, we know that God’s plans are perfect. I think the best thing we can do is take the energy we might be tempted to put into stressing or frantically trying to get control and pour it out before Him in earnest, honest faith. He is the one who will keep us on track—on His perfect path.