Prayer for God’s guidance as we travel on new paths
Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“The Lord blesses you and protects you. He will make your face shine upon you, and will grace you.
Listen or read:
A friend recently shared it with me. She had been struggling with her job for a while, so I quickly got excited and cried out, “Amazing! You’re going to take it, right?”
“I don’t know. You know I don’t like change. If you go there and it’s not good, what would you do?” she replied hesitantly. “Wait a second, do you want to stay in a situation you know, as you can’t guarantee the outcome of this other role? I sighed with an upset sigh. I might be miserable, but at least that’s what I know. She confided.
I understood my friend’s hesitation, but I had no relation. I’m on the other side. I’m having a hard time putting it down. I’m trying to invite, hug, change things. The everyday and ordinary things in everyday life tire me out, but the unknowns and uncertainties of life make me thrill. what about you? What do you think about the change?
Most people (like my friends and me) fall into two camps. People who welcome change and people who want to keep things the same. I rarely talk to anyone who has mixed feelings about this topic, but the reality is that our lives require consistency and change. And while we may lean more strongly towards the status quo or shake things up, we must learn to embrace change because it is inevitable, necessary and overwhelmingly beneficial.
Most people are familiar with the poem 6:24-26, best known as “The Blessing.” The Lord tells Moses how to bless Aaron and the nation of Israel. Before looking at the blessing in detail, let’s consider the current situation for the Israelites. The Israelites lived on Mount Sinai for almost a year, and were about to enter the wilderness, hoping to arrive at the promised land. This blessing was intended to encourage them as they embarked on their journey.
Each blessing begins with the Lord and reminds people that He is the giver and laster of this blessing. It is the Lord who continues to protect his children, and he is the one who is sovereign over the blessings. Next we see that the Lord blesses the Israelites with his presence and their desire to give peace to them. I am sure many Israelis were eager to begin their journey into the wilderness. They didn’t know what they were going to go through, and there were no weather apps or digital maps to guide them down their paths. They had to trust that the Lord would take care of them and bring them safely to the Promised Land.
God was not surprised by the anxiety, fear, or obscurity of the Israelites about leaving what they knew into the unknown. But he wanted them to trust him. This blessing is also a promise to the people of Christ today, especially for the Israelites. As we walk a new path, we admit that it is scary, but we can always be with us and trust God who gives us grace and peace along our journey.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that your presence will not leave us or abandon us. We pray for those embarking on a new path, whether it’s a career change, a family addition, a new school, or just a change in the landscape. I hope you help me feel peace and calm. Lord, we know that your purpose and your plans are always superior. Trust that you are working all for our goodness and for your glory. Heavenly Father, we may remember the words of blessing when our uneasy thoughts are seduced to drive us into doubt and despair. May you keep us safe, May we feel your presence, and we will experience the peace and grace that you alone can offer. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Fotagestoeber.de
Laura Bailey is an author and biblical teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, embracing eternity here and now, explores how the timeless truths of the Church can help us today live a more peaceful, purposeful and abundant life.
She lives in northern South Carolina with her husband and three young girls. She is the director of the Ministry of Women at her church. Her passion is to teach the Bible to women and equip them to live in an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at the next event or learn more: www.laurarabailey.com Connect via Facebook and Instagram.
Pray through Psalm 15: Prayer to those who never shake up
Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
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