Reflections on Psalm 23 Part 6: When Life's Directions Seem Unclear

He leadeth me along the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

"Follow the yellow brick road...." hums the simple song from the timeless classic "The Wizard of Oz."

Where is your yellow brick road taking you? Where is the path going?

Sometimes we reach points in our life where circumstances look something like this:

In these situations, futures may look unclear. Destinies may seem uncertain. Choices don't seem promising. It's easy to flop down on the ground and wonder "Where do I go?!"

In my own personal story and struggle, I was so confused so many times...

What is wrong with me?

Do I go see a counselor?

Why did I wait?

Do I get on medication?

Which medication is right?

Do I need to be hospitalized?

Do I need to take a break from school?

Did I do the right thing?

What is the best thing to do/say in this circumstance?

Where do I go from here?!

Sometimes we don't know the way we're supposed to go. When we approach a fork in the road, we don't know what is best and which road will hold the most promises. We want a big flashy arrow that says, "DO THIS! FOLLOW THIS ROAD!"

In those moments, when life's directions seem so unclear, when life hurts the most, when we are so confused someone does show up with an arrow.

The Shepherd. He takes his staff and points down the path of righteousness.

He directs us to His Word for comfort, security, and hope.

When life's directions seem unclear and we don't know where else to turn, the path of righteousness remains open and invites us to travel.

Along this path of righteousness, the road is clear, the surface is smooth, and the direction is straight.

What is at the end of this path?

There, at the end of this way of righteousness stands the cross of Christ. 

It is where things are crystal clear, where promises are fulfilled, where reconciliation happens, where all of our tears are wiped away by our Shepherd.

When life's directions seem unclear, pray. Worship. Give thanks. Rejoice. Get off the path of your ways and onto the path of righteousness. There, the cross and God await you. I'll be there too, and so many others who have found the way down this amazing road.

Blessings:

-I totally dominated the test I took today! I wrote a 14 page essay for it and my hand still hurts, but I am so confident in how well I did!

-Teacher warehouse sale!

-Became an official Scholastic Club member since I am officially a "student teacher!"

-"Don't ever change, Dylan"

-Coffee this afternoon with a great friend who I might not see for another year... =(

-Runza for dinner... Mmmm...

-I'm still smiling at how awesome things have been lately.

I want to share this image someone posted on Facebook today..