Looking Straight Ahead
Updated: Jun 15
"Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for our feet; stay on the safe path.
Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil."
Proverbs 4:25-27
These are the words I am learning to live by. What I am finding is it is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I am attracted to squirrels and shiny things, and if anything, anything at all, flashes across my path, and runs in the opposite direction, my head, and my focus, will follow.
I have also learned that life takes many twists and turns, and I cannot see around the next corner. The future can be frightening when we cannot see what is coming. But when I just look down at my feet, the next step is always straight in front of me, it isn't curving to the left or right, it is always straight. I also find focusing on putting one foot in front of the other is always the safest path.
When I only focus on that next step, I am not sidetracked in any way. I don't need to know, or even think about, what is waiting for me around the bend, because I know if I just keep my focus on Him and my steps straight ahead, what is waiting for me is always victorious.
Yes, the next life-experience might be a struggle, it might challenge me physically, emotionally, spiritually, or a combination of the three, but the strategy for me is to just remember Who I belong to, Who goes before me, Who stands behind and beside me, and the victory is already mine!
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8