And a road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path. Even the fool will not go astray. There will be no lion there, and no vicious beast will go up on it; they will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk on it, and the redeemed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. Isaiah 35:8-10
Jesus said, “I am the way…” John 14:6
My words…
Praise
There is an element of fear in my soul when I am preparing to travel somewhere, and I don’t know the way. What if I find myself lost in a dangerous part of town? What if I drive around so long, I run out of gas, and I’m stranded? Alone. These images trouble me. It’s very important to me that I know where I’m going before I start out. The journey is made even better if I have a traveling buddy. Without the threat of getting lost, I am free to sing songs, play road games, and arrive refreshed and safe. Isaiah’s description of the Holy Way resonates with my soul. First of all, it’s a path, which means someone went before me and blazed it to make my journey easier. Thank You, Jesus. This path is well-marked (a “raised way” Is. 35:8-10), a level path (Ps. 27:11), where You are the leader, the guide (Ps. 25:8). So, I don’t have to worry about getting lost. Just follow You. Those who strive to oppose You (“vicious beasts”) do not roam this path. Only the redeemed travel with me. It’s a toll road, but You paid the price so I wouldn’t have to. The toll was heavy, but You bore it by the strength of Your love. If sorrow sidles up along anyone, my traveling companions and I will sing it away! The only thing more beautiful than this path is where it leads.
Prayer for me
You spoke to your disciples about the difficult, narrow road and how few find it (Matt. 7:14). The way is narrow because there isn’t enough room on the path for all the stuff I want to bring along with me. I must leave my pride at home. (Step aside, Jesus. I know the way.) There’s not enough room for Your will and mine. (The path should go this way.) So, teach me how to be content on the path, without the luggage.
Forgive me
I praise You for teaching me to love traveling on the path. It wasn’t always a favorite place of mine. Now, however, I find myself wanting to sit and rest on the path instead of moving forward with You. Can’t we just take a breather? What does that say about my spirit? My joy and hope are frayed. Forgive me for allowing that to happen.
Prayer for others
Although I have so many beautiful souls traveling with me, there are some whom I love that do not wish to sojourn with us. I miss their company. As do You. I don’t know how to pray for them. I simply ask Your Spirit to intercede for me to bring before You, Father, the perfect petition.
Thank You
A couple of years ago, I went on a retreat to a place where there were several paths created for any who wanted to walk in silence surrounded by nature to worship, meditate, and ponder. (You were there with me.) I followed a path into a wooded area, enjoying the sound of the birds and the breeze rustling the leaves. Then, the path just…stopped. My next step would have placed me in an unmarked, thick forest. I turned back, feeling cheated. I am deeply thankful the path I walk with You leads to the place You are preparing for me. It’s all right that I cannot fathom an image of such a place in my imagination. All the better!
More Praise
Jesus, You said, “I am the way.” Four words. Do I really need to know anything else in this life? Nope.
