“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”  — Proverbs 3:5-6

As a little girl, I used to like to fish with my brothers… except for when my fishing line would get tangled. I would sit for many frustrating minutes — wasting my time, as I saw it — trying to untangle that mess. It seemed like the more I tried the worse the tangle became. Life can be like that. Complex!

Sometimes my questions are more than my answers, my month more than my money and my burdens more than my strength. My mind becomes wrapped in cares and tangled with vexing situations and try as I may I cannot get peace… until I do a little thing that I’ve learned along the way.  I wrote about it in a sort of poem one particularly memorable time.  My home was taken by fire that year, the day after Christmas, my marriage was crumbling and I was stumbling in a darkness I had never felt the likes of before.  Here is the poem:

Today I set aside all my worries and cares
For a few moments
I dropped all I was doing.
I stopped long enough to step down from this whirling ride of life,
And I left the crowds behind.
I walked and turned a few corners away from distraction.
My foot-steps made their way in the direction
From which I heard you calling all day long.
And you met me there.
And with tear stained eyes and raised hands
I lifted a praise from my lips
to the one who hung
Between this old world and the heaven of heavens
For me!
You’re always there when I call, always near when I cry.
Every time I’ve a need, you supply.
You’re faithful!
In your presence where refreshing winds blow
They dry my tears,
Calm my fears
Give me direction.
Come with me as we walk up a hillside
Though it’s a climb, it’s worth it,
You will see
I can hear His voice,
I will make the choice.
If you have sin, He forgives
If you are weak, He has strength
If you fear, He gives courage
If you are helpless, He brings security.

Are you confused and lonely, wondering and wandering, trying several paths, not knowing which is right? Do you wish you knew the outcome? Do you ask for direction but seem to get no answers? Does life seem mind boggling and complex? Let me reassure you, it is! But you’re not alone. It was like that for me too. You’re not alone! You may not know all the answers but you can know the One who does. You see, peace is not a thing. It is a person: the Person of Jesus Christ. Most of the answers you need to know will come in due time. Some answers you probably don’t even need. Life can be complex, but trust in the One who made life, who walks every step before you, and life will be much more enjoyable.