A River without Direction Will Never be Straight

45 Days of Praying for the Elections - Day 42

There are many African Proverbs that talk about the importance of direction. My favorite one explains why the river isn’t straight. I often use it when people talk about how children are so undisciplined. It says, “The river is crooked because it has no direction.” There is also one that says: “A good wind is no use to a sailor that doesn’t know his direction.” But as cool as it may be to know an African proverb or two, knowing what the Lord says about direction is best. Without direction we are lost. We can see that in the world today. The Bible tells us that “the steps of a good man are established by the Lord, and he delights in His way.” (Psalm 37:23). Isaiah 48:17 reminds us that we should seek divine direction in our lives. There are so many scriptures about direction that we should recognize its importance. The Lord is clear, without direction we are doomed. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its path leads to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). If we are unclear about who we should follow, John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Directions are given to believers throughout the Bible. Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  So, we should not scoff at direction or disregard wise counsel.

As election day fast approaches and in the time afterward we should not just seek the counsel of the Lord in our lives, but we should pray that our leaders surround themselves with godly counsel. The type of counsel our leaders get will determine the path the nation takes. Proverbs 11:14 says, “where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” However, the type of counsel matters. So, let us pray and also remember to take direction from the Lord for His world is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).
 
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, we have been directed to let this mind be in us that was also in Christ Jesus. Help to have a desire to accurately represent You in all that we do. Help us to use our words to edify others and not tear them down even when they don’t believe what we believe. Help us to show others the love of Christ through our behavior, our words, and our lifestyle. Remind us Father that You are the example, and we are a changed people and changed people should act like changed people. Lord, as the world seemingly turns away from You, let Your people turn toward You, showing the world the direction it should go, thus letting our light so shine. Thank You, Lord for Jesus the Christ who died for our sins, rose and is actively leading and guiding us. In the matchless name of Christ, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns