As we walk along the path enjoying the crisp air, we breathe in and out with slow deep breaths, feeling comfortable. Guard down. Relaxed. Taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Little do we know, the landscape is much different in a just a few short steps ahead. For now, we walk, without hurry, taking it all in.
Something begins to feel different. The air isn’t quite as crisp and refreshing as it was only a moment ago. There is something different. What could it be. I feel the air, differently. Am I certain. There is something. Different. Although I cannot put my finger on it, it’s there.
As I round the corner ahead, there it is. Different. I feel it. Now I think I see it. In the distance ahead. What could it be. I am headed into unchartered territory. I can feel it although I cannot quite see it.
There are times in this life when we find ourselves crushed in spirit. With a depth of brokenness that we struggle to comprehend let alone describe. The outside shell of our lives may bear only a crack but the inside is pummeling into dust. At times this comes out in silent screams. Others inconsolable crying. Or, we feel the bubble of anxiety welling up within our chest nearing a volcanic eruption.
Crushed. We. Feel. Crushed.
The storm is brewing ahead at record pace. Suddenly, the foundation of the world around me is shaking violently in the form of an earthquake. I’ve gone from plush greenery with a good balance of shade and foliage to an unexpected space. Scorching sun across the barren desert land. How did I even get here. I cannot see the path that takes me back. To the place of rest, before here. I am not sure how I got here. How will I find my way back.
Should I go back. Do I turn around. Or, do I push forward into the unknown. One step in front of the other. Shaky knees. Walking by faith and not by sight. A journey of much uncertainty. I need a compass. GPS. Step by step directional guidance headed true north. The crushing brokenness of my heart needs a small still voice to reach into the depths of my soul breaking through the layers of ache where the core of my being resides. Calling me out. Out of the pit of despair.
A small still voice.
Here, in this place, the Word of the Lord is my compass. His Word is the lamp that guides my feet in the steps they take. The light unto my path. (Psalm119:105) My God lights a lamp for me as He lights up my darkness. (Psalm 18:28) His Word gives me direction and guidance offering the principles by which I find joy, strength, refuge, salvation, protection, comfort, healing, peace, and mercy. Everything I need to find my way along the journey to the next level of an even deeper intimacy with Him.
I have to seek Him. Push through the crushing place I am today. Cry out for Him. Reach for Him. Remind myself of the promises upon which I stand found in the truth of His Word. I must pray, seek, read, and study after Him where I will find that He is close to the crushed and broken-hearted. His presence is right there waiting to wrap me in the warmth and grace of his unfailing love covering my life with His goodness. If only I will seek after Him. From the barren place.
Psalm 119 is a beautiful passage of scripture reassuring us that His Word brings joy, mercy, goodness, direction, and blessings in response to us doing our part which is to seek Him out with obedience to His principles found in His Word. Bobbie
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!”
Psalms 119:1-5 NLT
