The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the righteous. Isaiah 26:7
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10
My words…
Praise
Riding along on an uphill, curvy road makes me queasy. Just as every atom in my body screams for a straight and level way, so my spirit yearns for the straight path for the righteous. How do I know what’s around the bend until I round the bend? Danger may be lurking in my path, but then it’s too late to do anything about it. Struggling with an uphill battle, day after day, year after year, leads to despair. You created me, so You understand. You understand to the point where You work so I won’t have to suffer spiritual queasiness. You clear a level path and straighten the crooked road. I don’t need a map. There’s only one Way. All I need to do is follow the Guide.
Prayer for me
You clear a path for the righteous, but I don’t consider myself so. The only reason I have tread the straight and level is because Jesus paid my toll. I look to Your Spirit to lead me along this path and keep my feet from slipping off the side. The road has pitfalls and potholes. Grow my trust in You that I may walk blindfolded, listening to Your guiding voice.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I plop down on the road and demand a rest (as if I should demand anything). Following is tiring. Remaining alert is wearying. Growing in knowledge is exhausting. But who am I to take a break? You never did. You never do. You never will.
Prayer for others
Lord, I know so many who are plodding along on an uphill, winding road – without a guide. They fend off their queasiness with substances or acquisitions or justifications. This may sound harsh, but I ask that they remain queasy until they search out the straight, level way where they will meet You.
Thank You
Thank You for working for me. You clear a straight path and become my traveling companion, guide, and teacher. But over all of that, You are my Lord. And now I stop, not because I’m weary, but because I am on my knees in thankfulness and awe.
