EEK!  When the driver takes their eyes off the road to join in conversation with you, it is frightening because their attention is not on road as they try to maneuver a big machine of metal and plastic. When you see the driver of the car in front you look down at their phone, you get out of their way, right?  I do!  I steer clear of them knowing that at any moment they will crash and hurt themselves and anyone close to them.  I am not afraid to remind the driver to watch out when their eyes look at the scenery other than the road ahead.  Anything could happen and generally does when our eyes leave the road we are traveling. 

Our attention is so easily distracted in many ways as we drive.  True story.  I remember being engrossed in conversation with some people I picked up from the airport in Columbus.  We were all so happy to see each other and talk about old times that I drove around the beltway of that city two times before realizing I was never going to get home if I didn’t pay attention to the signs to exit!!

We laugh until it isn’t funny when we get hurt by taking our eyes and our mind’s attention off the road.  Isn’t that the way we are with life in general?  God gives us His Word to teach us.  Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us as we navigate this life’s journey until He comes back for us for eternity.  AND, because Jesus paid for our sins, we can come straight to God and ask for directions for the right road to follow!  How many times do we go our own way and miss seeing God’s glorious miracles daily?  How many times have we run into obstacles we could have avoided if we had not taken our eyes off His Road? If we take time to really listen, God speaks to our hearts and tells us the best way to go.  Don’t you love our God who bends down to listen and is ready to show us the way?  So, let’s not take our eyes off His Road to His abundant, eternal life!  Be still and know God.  Focus, listen and learn the right way to go. 

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part Three

Psalm 119:17-24, The Message

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
    not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
    what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
    give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
    insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
    ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
    I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
    I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
    I listen to them as to good neighbors!

TRUTH:  Open our eyes, Lord, so we don’t miss the Road of Life! 

Proverb 4:10-15, The Message

Dear friend, take my advice;
    it will add years to your life.
I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
    I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.
I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys,
    or wasting time making wrong turns.
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
    Guard it well—your life is at stake!
Don’t take Wicked Bypass;
    don’t so much as set foot on that road.
Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
    Make a detour and be on your way.

WISDOM: Follow the map, stay the course and don’t take your eyes of Righteous Road!

Abba Father,

Open my eyes to see and know you.  Bring me to full attention to see the way you want me to go.  Help me to stay focused on you while avoiding the obstacles.  Draw so close to me that I hear the whisper of your voice above all the racket and distractions of this world.  You have the map; I have the decision to follow.  I choose to follow you!  Guide me, teach me, encourage me in the right way to go.  May your glory be seen each new day.  I don’t want to miss a thing on Righteous Road!

In Jesus Name, Amen