Traffic of Life

Have you ever seen a child run up to the very edge of the street? There is a moment of fear as one wonders whether the child will stop at the curb or continue on into the oncoming traffic. The heart slows to a normal beat when the halts his steps and waits as he has been taught. One may even hear a little tune to stop, look, and listen before you cross the street. Always waiting to hold on to a parent’s or other grown up’s hand is a lesson well learned. This is the only way to safely navigate across on traffic. The parent arrives and together the two safely cross through the traffic.

City streets filled the sights and sounds traffic. Cars, vans, SUVs and trucks share the roadways with motorcycles and bicycles. This bustle of activity can be daunting and even dangerous to the pedestrian attempting to cross the path. This is especially dangerous when children are involved and extreme caution must be exercised by all.

Everyday life is filled with another type of traffic. The demands of a job and household chores can overwhelm us. Opportunities to be offended can come at us from any direction. Distractions close in, vying for our attention. Trying situations can speed toward us unexpectedly. As we experience our day we must carefully cross through this traffic.

As children of God we must hold the Heavenly Father’s hand as we encounter this traffic of everyday life. Jesus instructed us to come with the attitude of little children. “And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 AMP) This attitude is full of both trust and reliance on our Father. When we come with this attitude the Lord will help us to navigate through all of the traffic of our lives.

God desires to hold onto our hands and help us in every situation. “For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!” (Isaiah 41:13 AMP) We can have great confidence in the tight hold of our Father’s hands. Here there is great security. King David knew this well and spoke of it and praise to the Lord. “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24 AMP) The Lord will walk with us and guide us through each day of our lives. “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].” (Psalm 37:23 AMP)

When fear comes our way we must always remember, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP) When anxiety is racing towards us, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 AMP) He will deliver. When our mind is full of thoughts that run crosswise from the Word of God we must, “[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP)

God not only walks through the traffic of our lives with us. He can also hold out his hand and stop the traffic. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7 AMP) In the path of trials the Lord always protects. We can always trust.

Do not try to navigate the distractions and trials of life alone. Rely on God and focus on His Word. He will walk you safely through all things.