LSEM > Devotions > Enjoy the Ride

Enjoy the Ride

  • June 1, 2021
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24

Do you enjoy riding roller coasters? I must admit that I am not much of a fan, but I have ridden a few tame coasters in my younger years. True roller coaster enthusiasts would get a good laugh out of my limits on speed, height, the angles at which the coaster descends, and my strict “no upside down” policy. Come to think of it, I also stay away from bumps, standing, dangling feet and anything that goes backwards. I guess you could say that when it comes to amusement parks, my greatest contribution is holding everybody’s stuff while sitting on a bench, waiting for them to finish their ride. I’ve been teased a little about this in the past, but I don’t get too bothered by it. I know my comfort levels, and when I have the chance to control a situation that might cause me to get nauseous, I take it.

I think this makes it easy to see why so many people compare life with riding a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, things that make you laugh and things that make you scream. Some days fly by quickly while others are so long and drawn out, you can almost hear the clicking of that chain pulling you to the apex before sending you hurtling down the track. It’s on those days where things are difficult that even roller coaster junkies might look over at me on my park bench with a hint of jealousy in their eyes.

As Christians, we sometimes see and feel the impacts of the roller coaster of life. The difference we have over those who don’t believe is our faith in the architect, builder, and operator of the ride of our lives. God is good.  This is evident on the days that fill our lives with joy and happiness.  It is even more evident on the days that fill our lives with turmoil and confusion.  We have seen our share of both – days we wished would never happen and days we wished would never end.  It can be an adventure – a wild and bumpy ride.

Thankfully, we can live in the assurances of God’s goodness no matter what may appear on the horizon.  God has promised us that He will be there for us – directing us down the path upon which we have been called to walk.  Sometimes we step off, wandering away from the safety and security of what God has appointed.  Sometimes we turn around, back-pedaling away from the destination out of fear, confusion, or a refusal to trust what God is giving to us.  Even in those times that we ignore His guidance and seek our own direction, God, patiently waits for us, calls out to us, and sometimes ventures deep into the wilderness to bring us back.

I am thankful for what God is doing in our lives – for His guidance and direction.  He has taken areas of weakness and built strength into them.  He has taken doubt and replaced it with confidence in Him.  He has removed fear from our lives and set assurances into action that will never leave us nor ever fail us.  Let go of the fears that still linger in your life.  Open yourself fully to every good thing that God presents to you, trusting Him to guide you to a place of safety and rest.

Or an amusement park bench in the shade on a warm, sunny day.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services