The Next Steps - Proverbs 3:5-8 - Part III

The Next Steps – Proverbs 3:5-8 – Part III

Doing the next right thing is another phrase for describing faith.  There are periods in life when dealing with things one day at a time is the best approach.  The weeks and months following a difficult challenge such as bereavement, illness, termination, or loss of a primary relationship are times when we must forsake arbitrary expectations.  However, there are times when taking the next right step is most preferable.  I recall the month that followed a very hard time for me a few years ago.  My pain was so acute and penetrating that I could not think beyond a day.  Each morning, I awoke and immediately made a list with two columns.  On the left, I wrote four things that I wanted to do that day.  On the right, I wrote four things that I had to do that day.  After a few minutes of reflection, I chose two things from each column.  Let me hasten to say that the things in both columns were not grand.  Mostly, they were rudimentary: take a shower and shave, iron your clothes, get dressed, go for a run, read the newspaper, eat an ice cream cone, etc.  As I maintained this routine for a month, I began to feel the foundation of faith under my feet again.

In good times, it is equally important that we take time to know what the next right steps are.  When we are happy about life, it is easy to let down our guard.  Emotionally, we glide with the rhythm of life.  Cognitively, we may let simple yet significant details fall through the cracks.  More practically speaking, we may focus on the big picture to the detriment of the important details which mar the mosaic if unattended.  Therefore, I appreciate that small steps matter greatly in the pursuit of lofty ideals and aspirations.  Cutting corners and taking short cuts rarely yield the efficiency in time, labor and money we seek. 

Fortunately, Solomon cedes an incredible promise and bountiful blessing.  The person who relinquishes the fallacy of self-control in exchange for the righteousness of an interdependent relationship with Almighty God has the invaluable assurance that God directs his paths.  Another translation says “He will make your paths straight.”  Daily revealing the next steps, God orchestrates our paths toward His will.  In so doing, He smoothens the rough edges, straightens the crooked places, exalts the valleys of despair and levels the mountains of ineffectiveness.  The end result is expeditious success and excellence.

There are additional intangible benefits and blessings when we seek God’s direction for the next steps.  We learn to embrace what is in front of us; essentially, we are grateful for the countless blessings that enrich our lives through our primary relationships.  Also, we begin to appreciate that the journey itself is home.  In other words, home is not some distant geographical destination, career goal and mental state of being.  It is the ability to find joy, happiness, peace and wholeness in each day right where we are.  In addition, the next steps often lead us toward beauty in life that we would not have discovered previously.  A whole new world opens to us when we acquire the willingness to live a day-at-a-time and progress a step-at-a-time.  Summarily, the willingness to await God’s guidance regarding the next step means you are willing to let God surprise you.  In acknowledgement of your reverence, obedience and humility, God gives gracious gifts out of His limitless benevolence.