“The path of the righteous is level;
you make level the way of the righteous.
In the path of your judgments,
O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance
are the desire of our soul.” Isaiah 26:7-8
“Make level the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:26
“Make level paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:13
When the slope to relief is impossibly steep, or the vale of tears too heavy and deep, we long for a level path. When the message catches our breath, or circumstances forebode danger, dread may render us frozen and block that path. The comfort we can know in even the hardest of situations is that the One who bids us make our way level is the Way-maker. He as Almighty Pioneer goes before us to whack away overgrowth of weariness and despair, clear the stones of fear and doubt, and make the way clear.
So how can we respond to mountain steeps of difficulty and valleys of despond? How do we approach challenging narrow paths before us when it seems all the world is going the wide other way? What about natural disadvantages, or lack, that make the way extra rough? It is key that the path itself not be our end, but that the end dictate our path. Is God’s name and remembrance the primary desire of our soul? Can we set out each day passionately to walk in His steps and honor His name? (1 Peter 2:21)
Once our destination is set, it’s important we determine the pace for our long-haul journey. Are we leveling our emotions and thoughts by waiting for the Lord, taking unhurried time in His word, thinking on His judgments and works and grappling with how we can apply His principles? In every hardship, are we seeking His timing and way- perhaps out, perhaps through? Would we allow time for establishing confidence, and for healing, because we go forth better when we are strong and sure? What obvious or hidden impediments have we too long ignored or excused that need removal? The Lord is faithful to come alongside, chart our course, and keep level our path as we trust in Him, acknowledging His supremacy, and walk in His steps. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-8; Isaiah 30:20-21)
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” ~Thomas O. Chisolm (1923)
Lord, no matter my path, please keep me steady and level in You. Keep me steadfast all along the way, trusting You to guide, and guarding Your glory.
As the rain and snow 