If you live in the Dallas area, then you understand the challenges of driving. Every road is under construction and drivers are often distracted. Defensive driving has taken on a whole new meaning.
The other day while driving down the road I had to slam my brakes on as I approached an intersection because someone in front of me had made a last-minute decision. As I did when my children were small, I reached over and tried to hold the passenger in his seat so he wouldn’t fly forward and bump his head. As my reflexes kicked in, I heard “baby, I’m okay, you don’t need to protect me”. I tried to restrain my husband.
As I was thinking about that incident, I was reminded of how God protects us, even when we don’t think we need to be protected. So many times, we try to get through those crossings without any thought. We just press forward on our own and take for granted that we will get through without any bumps or bruises. But I am reminded that God has far more times than not, protected me from what was ahead. He always goes before me and makes a way for me that is safe and is best.
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deut. 31:8
When we are doing our best to stay on course we may be hit with a pothole or a speedbump that we didn’t see coming. Life can be that way. Everything can be great and then out of nowhere we are hit by something unexpectedly.
But, just as a father loves his children, so our Father loves us. Even when we find ourselves in a pothole that is uncomfortable, scary and fearful, we don’t have to be afraid because our Father is with us. He is our hedge of protection.
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5
When the road of life gets difficult to navigate because of the construction, speedbumps and potholes, take refuge in the One who goes before you. Find rest in your Father’s protection.
Fun fact: This construction has been going on for years and I get to see it and navigate the twists and turns every day.