As fog fills the early morning darkness, it seems as if I’m literally driving through the clouds. This misty fog feels different somehow. More than just a physical fog, it encompasses my body, my soul, my spirit. Maybe it isn’t just me. Maybe the whole world is in a fog. Scripture says that the Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path – so that we see only what’s right in front of us. That’s the picture in my mind’s eye - crawling along, the five feet past my front bumper barely visible.
Traversing the narrow country road, I climb a hill and the fog suddenly disappears. For a moment, I see more clearly. My shoulders relax and I drive a little faster. Pressures of life lift and I am refreshed. But then I roll back down into a valley. The view changes and I continue to inch my way forward. Carefully. Slowly. Frustrated with the snail’s pace, I try switching on the brights hoping it will help. Occasionally it does. Mostly not. So, I’m forced to stay vigilant – watching and waiting. A song from scripture comes to mind and I sing . . .
“Fear not, for I am with you. Fear not, for I am with you.
Fear not, for I am with you, says the LORD.
I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. Child, you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I will be there and through the flame.
You’ll not be drowned. You’ll not be burned. For I am with you.”
As the Father comforts me, my focus shifts from the darkness and the fog. Strangely, I see more clearly. The headlights reflect off a Jack Daniels bottle tossed in a clump of grass on the shoulder. Next, I spy a deer who must have met its fate not long past. When I pass by a motionless armadillo on the side of the road, I’m struck by what a cautionary tale the objects told. Is this what awaits us if we don’t watch where we’re going?
Scripture says to be sober and vigilant because the enemy is ready to devour. Just as I keep my focus on the pavement markings ahead, I will keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I will stay alert but at peace because my God, the God of Angel Armies, is able to deliver me and keep me. He guides me forward and guards my back. So, I will bless the LORD and give him glory. I will be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, confident that the sun will soon shine and the fog will lift.
References:
Fear Not, For I Am With You (song)
("Fear Not" is a praise and worship song written in 1987 by Phil Pringle)
Psalms 119:105 NIVUK
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Isaiah 41:10 NIVUK
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I Peter 5:8 NKJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Romans 12:12 NIVUK
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.