The Way
Today in our worship service, we sang The Way, by Pat Barrett. There is a line that is repeated throughout the song: I believe you are the way, the truth, the life. And as I was singing, quite passionately, I might add, I felt the Lord ask, “Do you?” I stopped singing, and stood, eyes closed, listening to my heart. Don’t I? I would say, “Yes, Lord, I do believe You are truth and life for me, and You are the only way.” “Then why,” He said, “do you sometimes look for a way forward by considering your options and reasoning by intellect and experience?”
I don’t know about you, but I find there is always something both heart warming and heart stopping when He speaks. I’m both glad He knows me and a little afraid He, this Holy One, really does know me. He doesn’t leave me alone. And, I am truly grateful for that reality, though sometimes in the moment of discipline I feel both sorrow and pain. Hebrews 12:11 (NASB) says, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” I want to be trained by my encounters with Him. I want to face the challenge He gives me and lean into Him for all that I need to thrive in every circumstance. It isn’t enough to agree with His word; I must allow that word to adjust me.
So, where in my life am I considering my options, holding committee meetings in my own head, playing chess and looking ahead several moves to get the best strategy? In what area am I leaning on my own strength and understanding? Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This Scripture doesn’t say, “in some of your ways,” or “in most of your ways.” It says, “in ALL your ways.”
He has opened a conversation with me. He has invited me to learn of Him, to agree with Him about what is in my heart, and to let Him adjust my course. What could be more wonderful than to be with Him whose love chases me and to receive discipline through His kind intention toward me.
Father in heaven, thank You for not leaving me alone. Thank you that it is Your kindness that leads me to repentance. Forgive me for fretting and worrying about circumstances, relationships, and outcomes. I know it is by grace through the gift of faith I can find peace in Your Lordship. I trust Your faithfulness. I know that You mean me good, always. I am in Your hand. Mold me and make me after Your will. Truly, You are the potter and I am the clay. Have your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take some time this week to listen to Pat Barrett’s song, http://The Way. Consider some of the foundational truths in your life. Are there any areas in your life that don’t seem to line up with these truths? Write a prayer of relinquishment giving the Lord access to make adjustments.
Until next week, embrace the challenge of discipline with a willingness to be trained by it.