PiChron

Psalm 37:23-24 (New King James Version)
“The steps of a good man are [a]ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

I took the above picture some years ago in Lagos, Nigeria – at a place called “Railway Compound.”  For me, this picture is a reminder to get back on track.

Although I can’t remember if the train in the picture was sitting on another track; nonetheless, it was not on the actual train track that we see in the picture.

As usual, this got me thinking of how to get back on track after encountering a setback.  Once again, I was reminded not to be distracted; and to stay focused even when things look bleak.

Understanding Train Tracks…

I read somewhere that trains have assigned tracks, which, if not controlled properly, can cause a train to derail.  Therefore, staying on its track is critical for a train to get to its destination safely.  Having this knowledge should be a reminder to us as we navigate through some of life’s challenges.

When our plans derail…. 

If we know that God is the owner of our lives, then we also know that momentary setbacks are not our final destination.

Life is difficult (John 16:33) and can sometimes lead us into finding ourselves at crossroads.  We begin to contemplate whether to continue the journey after a setback; or whether to accept defeat.  When this happens, I hope we will choose to get back on track and continue the journey.

For some people, this can be an immediate thing.  While for others, it may take some time.  However, how long it takes should not be the main focus, as our victory is derived from not giving up.

Getting back and staying on track should be the beginning of our journey after a setback.

Where does one even start, and how does one continue to stay on track?

These questions are normal, especially after having gone through a traumatic event.

I realize that getting back on track may be difficult for anyone dealing with mental illness or severe addiction.  In this case, it is recommended that you seek professional help if you are unable to move forward.

Some have been able to stay on track because they believe that God is in control.  Again, it is not always easy.  But just like a moving train cannot simply switch its track on its own without something or someone controlling it, so it is that we also have a helper who is in control of our lives.

Keeping our focus on the One who orders our steps (Psalm 37:23-24) gives us the confidence to stay on track…

Be well…

The best is yet to come…

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

In February, on one of my walks, I took the picture above.

When I first saw the snow-bed, I said “hmmm…what a beautiful sight…” I actually felt like lying down there for a few seconds – or NOT!😁

Weeell, I thought about it at least…However, in the end, I just took a picture and kept walking.

You see, underneath the snow in the picture lies a beautiful river.  We cannot see it now, but it is there.  It will only become visible when the snow starts to melt.

This is when we may think “oh wow, what a beautiful river!”

But the river was beautiful all along.  It’s just that the river was covered with snow.

What I am trying to convey is that, whether it was the snow-covered river or the river that is snow-free – It did not change the fact that there is a “beautiful river” underneath.

You see, when it comes to the harsh times, it is sometimes difficult for the person going through it to believe that God is still present at those times.

However, I can comfortably speak to the mercy and grace of God in trying times. Why?  Because, I have gone through it.  So, I know that though the picture above may look like a wilderness, underneath all that snow lies “streams of joy!”

In my last post (check it out here…), I wrote about fighting some battles spiritually.  Again, I realize that for more than a year, many of us may have been in “the wilderness state.”

We have been anticipating when things will get better.  We want to be mask-free.  We want to visit family and friends without being so cautious.  Ultimately, we simply just want to get back to our “normal” lives!

We know that this time will come.  However, it is the how and when that is the frustrating part for many of us…

Again, looking at the picture, I am reminded that the harsh winter will not last forever.  I am reminded that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  I am reminded that He (God) never changes.  I am reminded of His promises and faithfulness towards us.

And so, when He says He is doing a new thing – I believe Him!…

Happy New Month!

Be well…

The best is yet to come…