Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.

Here we have presented, in rather blunt, graphic terms, the danger in relying only on human judgment. Where the English says “right,” the Japanese says “perfectly straight.” We may think we see what the consequences will be of our choices and actions, but without God’s help, the simple truth is that we don’t. We are forever trying to “look down the road,” so to speak, but even if the road is straight, the best we can see is to the top of the next rise or so. Even if it is straight, it’s not flat! I’m reminded of country roads in the Eastern US, where in addition to the assorted bends, dips, and rises, you may at any moment encounter a rather large deer bounding out of the woods on one side or the other. The only one who “knows the end from the beginning” is God, so seeking and depending on His guidance is by far the best course. That’s the biggest fallacy of atheism, because for atheists, man is supreme. If there is nothing higher, then you are entirely on your own, and that’s not a good place to be.

I’m reminded of the Christian country music song, “One Day at a Time.” Depending on God takes patience on our part, along with trusting faith, and we aren’t very good at that. Some wag has said, “I try to take one day at a time, but recently several have ganged up on me at once.” I feel like that at times, particularly around the holidays, when so many demands, expectations, and desires pile up and conflict with each other. I have more reason to trust God, by knowledge and experience, than many, but I experience frustration and burn out too. I’ve got plenty of room to grow in letting God show me the paths I am to take, not just in the long term but on a daily, moment-by-moment basis. Yesterday had some stress over someone who made what seemed to others as a really foolish, risky choice of action, but I don’t always do better. I am not to hold back when I know God is directing me to go somewhere or do something, but I am to seek God’s will at every turn, and not just trust in what looks good to me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the assurance that You will never lead me to anything You won’t lead me through. Help me both keep my own eyes on the “prize that is set before me,” (Philippians 3:14) and teach others to do the same, so that together we may walk in all that You intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!