Dave’s Monday Blast – December 31, 2018

Happy New Year’s Eve and Happy New Year! As 2018 closes up shop, and the open sign is being hung for 2019, we anticipate that another year will present us with some interesting opportunities. Some will bring immeasurable and undeserved blessings, others will shake us to our core and test our faith.

I believe I have a better than average sense of direction. Make no mistake however, it has failed me in the past. I have sought directions from a few random gas station attendants over the years. Perhaps like you I don’t enjoy asking directions from others. Maybe it is pride, perhaps it’s just inconvenient. I suspect that is why I love consulting Google. I have become very dependent upon my little electronic consultant. While not fail safe, electronic navigation tools are amazing. They are fast, convenient and typically correct. If one is lost or in need of an important answer like “google where is the nearest In and Out Burger along Interstate 5?” 

The psalmist was a man with a wealth of life experience. But the Psalms reveal moments when it appears David felt lost spiritually and emotionally. Psalm 143 contains one of those times. The king’s heart was dismayed (v.4) He was in trouble (v. 11). So he paused and prayed, “Show me the way I should go” (v.8). I realize that King David did not have a smart phone and we have no record of him consulting other humans in this moment, because David had a better source to tap into. The psalmist cried out to the Lord, “for in you I entrust my life” (v.8).

If the “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) felt lost from time to time, it’s a given we too will need to turn to God for His direction as we enter this new year. What causes you to feel turned around, confused, lost, maybe even frustrated these days? What circumstances have you “on the run”? Why might you be resisting asking God for help? Asking God for direction is more than okay, it’s best!