Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:24 “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?”
The NASCAR driver can not turn his head while wearing the required head and neck support. His wrap-around helmet also reduces visibility. The driver can really only see directly in front of him or behind him. These safety requirements have made the role of the “spotter” crucial. The spotters are called, “eyes in the sky” seeing the whole track at once. For three and a half hours the race-long conversations help their drivers avoid wrecks, position themselves to the best advantage and maneuver around blind corners. Those words of guidance and encouragement in a calm tone can make all the difference!
Today’s verse acknowledges that the Lord directs the steps of those who belong to Him. But often, the one directed has no idea of His direction! The question expresses what is often felt: How can anyone understand their own way? We do not have the same vantage point and we can never understand it all. We are told in any case not to lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him so that He can direct us (Prov. 3:5-6).
Because I cannot see what lies ahead, I need to trust the One who is already there and knows the way. If I were to wait until I understood the reasons behind every directive, I would be at a standstill and make no progress! But I can be confident of my direction even without full understanding. That is because I trust Him. His eyes are always on me and the twists and turns are not random. He has a loving purpose in every change of course. His direction is always towards a more loving relationship with Himself!
Lord, help me to trust You completely!
