“You have never passed this way before.” Joshua 3:4
As we turn the page of the calendar and enter into a new year, I am reminded of the words of Joshua as he instructed the children of Israel before they crossed the Jordan River. He told them they were about to enter an unknown path, a path they had never walked.
Walking into a new year is similar to off-trail hiking, or bushwhacking, as some call it. Most are more comfortable with on-trail hiking which has a clearly marked path, and may even include a map to follow. The idea of hiking off-trail with no clear path to follow does not appeal to the majority. While it does offer quite the adventure, most are very content to follow a clearly marked path.
Walking off-trail, or an unknown path can be rough, scary and intimidating. The unknown can be a breeding ground for fear, stress, and anxiety. This is not only applicable in hiking, but even in traveling in a car. We tend to take the same familiar route when traveling to repeated destinations.
We are comfortable with that which is familiar.
But, it is often on an unknown path that we discover little-known possibilities.
The past couple of years have been quite the challenge, and I feel certain this year will again, force us to walk out a path that we’ve never walked before. The unknown path is often rough and steep, and challenges our ability to maintain steady footing. Again, this can be scary and intimidating, since this is unfamiliar to us. This can be uncomfortable, and for that reason alone, given a choice, most will choose familiar and comfortable.
The changes and challenges that we have already faced have caused many to live a life gripped by fear. The uncertainties of this new year have only tightened that grip, for a large number of people.
So many are afraid of dying, they have stopped living.
And yet, for the Believers, God has repeatedly told us in His Word, “Do not fear.”
He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
One of the best things you can have ,when walking an unknown path, is a guide, someone who’s familiar with the area. God has promised to be that guide, and you can rest assured, there are no unfamiliar areas for God.
“I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. I’ll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown paths. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch. These are the things I’ll be doing for them — sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.” Isaiah 42:16 MSG
As Joshua continued his instructions in chapter 3, he said, “Sanctify, or consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5
The wonders of God are often experienced in unexplored paths, and the greater the obstacles, the greater the opportunities.
Leave your fear in last year.
Let go of the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
You are not alone.
As the old song says, “Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”
And, I’m . . .
Still Believing!
Love this, Ray! The MSG version gives me a fresh picture of God’s nearness, a guide Who knows the best way to go, even holding my hand. Yes! The other day I was sending Grace an encouraging text as she has been struggling. I told her the Holy Spirit was close, right there beside her and that He even had tennis shoes on! How good He is to come so close to help us, to take our hand and guide us along life’s oft times difficult path. We haven’t been this way before but He is with us and that makes all the difference. Thanks for the reminder.