What Lies Ahead

A few weeks ago, just as the sun was rising, I set out on a journey towards the east. As I approached a valley my eyes were drawn to a band of dense fluffy white clouds that had settled along the valley floor. Soon I was driving into those dense fluffy white clouds. The clouds seemed to wrap around my car like cotton wool, the air was cold yet bright. Even with the car lights on it was difficult to see the way ahead. After what seemed a long time I came to a bridge over the river. The cloud continued to surround me from behind, and to my left, and the way ahead was covered in cloud. Then, unexpectedly, to my right I could see a short distance along the river. The river was full of flood water that sparkled and danced in the morning light. I drove out of the valley, through the cloud, eventually coming into glorious morning sunshine. As I came out of that cloud and my heart leapt with thankful praise to God for His steadfast love, the words of an old hymn came to mind.

I do not know what lies ahead, the way I cannot see, yet one stands near to be my guide, He`ll show the way to me. I know who holds the future and He`ll guide me with His hand. With God things don`t just happen, everything by Him is planned. So as I face tomorrow, with its problems large and small, I`ll trust the God of miracles, give to Him my all.
I do not know how many days of life are mine to spend, but one who knows and cares for me will keep me to the end. I do not know the course ahead, what joys and griefs are there. But one stands near who fully knows, I`ll trust His loving care.

I would like to say that since that journey the weeks have been full of joy and happiness, but in fact they have been some of the hardest in my life. There was a time when I would bottle up my feelings and act as if everything was ok, but now I stop and examine myself to see if my trust in God is superficial. I may say and do the right things, go to church on Sundays and the midweek bible studies and have a quiet time each day - and all of these things are good - but real trust goes much deeper. It`s rooted in the steadfast love of God. God wants me to be honest with myself and with Him. I need to spend time seeking God`s perspective and drawing on His resources.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know all about the ups and downs of our lives. Thank You that night and day we can trust in Your loving care. Father God, as we go through and support others going through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one, personal sickness or unemployment, we thank and praise You that even when times are hard Your love is steadfast and true. Amen.