Session 3

Why it’s good to look a little farther down the road

From Psalms: A 28-Day Devotional

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Psalm 84

Have you ever felt stuck between where you are and where you want to be?

You’ve mapped out your life, flagging all the milestones you want to meet. But one day you wake up and realize you're not where you planned to be, and you can’t see an easy way off of this detour. What do you do when the journey you're on isn't what you thought it would be?

God does not withhold good things from His kids (Psalm 84:11). There's nothing wrong with making plans, but our plans should always be informed by God's Word and submitted to His will. God sees your life from beginning to end. He knows what we need, and His plans for us are perfect. 

When we narrow our eyes to see only the path we want to take, detours drain us of joy.  But when we're open to whatever God has for us, we're able to go from strength to strength — on whatever path life takes (Psalm 84:5-7). 

Even more important than the milestones we hit (or miss) is the person we spend the journey with. Time with God is ultimately what our hearts long for. A day with Him will fill our souls in ways that achieving our goals cannot.  

So make plans, pray for guidance, and celebrate when you make milestones.  But don't get so attached to a plan that you lose sight of the Person who put you on this path. 

Reflect:

  • What is your favorite thing about spending time with God?
  • When is the last time your plans took a detour? What is one thing you learned through that time about yourself and about God?

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