Digging Deeper

“My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.”
- Psalm 121: 2

Three days after our oldest daughter got her driver’s license, she asked to take our van between church services to get a cappuccino. In tears, she called her dad and he went to comfort her as she talked with the police officers. Apparently, she had become distracted when her hot drink started to tip over out of the drink holder. She managed to total our van by wiping out a mailbox and a fire hydrant in a few seconds flat! We were very thankful no one was hurt (except for Winston, the van) but she did learn an expensive but important lesson about keeping her eyes on the road.

Peter, in Matthew 14, learned this lesson as well when he stepped out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. He became distracted by the wind and began to sink. Peter called out to the Lord and immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and saved him. Anitra’s road and Peter’s water remind me of our spiritual journey. Distractions, fear, and obstacles frequently get us in trouble and off course. That is when we can cry out to Jesus, saying, “Lord, save me!” He stretches out His hand and takes hold of us, puts us back on the right path, and continues to love us.

God’s commandments, wisdom from the Bible, and accountability to other Christ followers provide the guardrails for the road along our spiritual journey. An old hymn summarizes this message beautifully.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. – Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

Bible Reading: Psalm 121

Dear Father, You must shake your head sadly when You see me veering off the road of Your will. Thank You for loving me enough to save me, forgive me, and steer me back in the right direction.