Daily Word of Grace # 36 (May 5, 2020)
One of my favorite songs by the Talking Heads is their 1981 hit “Once in a Lifetime.” In addition to its addictive groove (just try not to move while listening to it), it contains insightful lyrics about waking up one day wondering how you ended up where you are: “You may find yourself living in a shotgun shack. And you may find yourself in another part of the world. And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile. And you may find yourself in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife. And you may ask yourself, ‘Well, how did I get here?’” In the Old Testament book of Proverbs there is a succinct exhortation that reminds us what to do when we are not sure where to go or what to do: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Even though you may not know how you ended up where you are, the Lord does, always has. And when relying on your insight falls short and doesn’t work out too well (something with which I have plenty of experience), the same Lord is worthy of your trust and will “make straight your paths” even through the landmines of life, even through pandemics, even through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4). And there will be moments of grace and relief when you will realize the Lord has brought you through something you never though you would get through, all the way to your “desired haven” (Psalm 107:30)—and when it comes to the question, “Well, how did I get here?”, you will know.
Love and Prayers,
Dave