I enjoy a little hiking, but if you know me, you know I don’t want the path to be too rugged, too steep, or too long. Can anyone relate?

On one trail that tended to remain muddy after rain or snow, we found stepping stones strategically placed to help the next trekker. (Not as meticulously as the photo below, but you get the point.)

It reminded me of God’s help on my life path. If I carefully followed the steps in front of me, I would stay out of the muddy wetland and remain dry. If not … yuck!

Scripture teaches that God desires to provide daily direction and encourages us to stay on “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3). He longs to lead us on the best paths, those that are “straight,” “level,” and “firm” (Proverbs 4:11, 26).

When I read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105), I imagine the lamp as something that shines close by, on just the very next step. And, it’s up to us whether we will take that step. When we venture off on our own, we typically find a dead end or dangerous or painful consequences.

When we seek God, He is faithful to lead us back to the right path. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

May we not be too proud to ask for directions.