One morning awhile back I woke up feeling crummy. I hadn’t even brushed my teeth yet, and already there was a dark feeling in my gut, screaming that life was horrible. What’s more, I had no idea why it was there.
Many days I might have just carried on, yucky inside and not knowing why. But that particular morning, I happened to read these words in the Bible:
Guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked.
I started to think about – and ask God – what could be causing those feelings. Before long, two situations came to mind. I devised a quick plan (“marked out a path”), then got up off the sofa and went about my day. Small rays of peace and hope began fighting their way into my soul.
It’s been some time since that experience. The situations still aren’t completely resolved, but, as the scripture says, my feet are on a path that’s at least safe for the moment.
Of course this isn’t the only way God works. There are no formulas in the journey of faith. He sometimes seems to remain completely silent, and now and then He graciously intervenes and the clouds go away. Regardless, the Bible’s recommendation is a good one: Guard your heart.