God's in control...

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.

I wrote the following reflection a number of years ago in very different circumstances, yet my future then was uncertain, just as I feel it is now. Just needed to remember who it is that is in control - of not just my life, or my family, or this county, or the world, but everything even when the way forward isn't clear.

Obscured

I stood and looked for a way ahead
On the journey of my life
And I could not see the path
For the fog had closed in deep
I stood quite still and held my breath
I could not venture forth
Fear of the unknown route in front
Held me still within the gloom.

I turned and looked for the way I'd come
But that, too, had vanished and gone
The path I'd walked was obscured by mist
The route I'd taken, disappeared.
I did not know which way to go
I looked left and right, but all was grey.
In confusion I looked down;
And I could see the rock beneath my feet.

'See here', the voice whispered deep within,
'The rock beneath is firm,
You can see just far enough
To take a single step.
For with each step the travelling begins
And the journey is revealed
Just trust the way that you can see
And move on in faith and hope.'

'But I'm frightened and afraid,' I said
'How can I walk on alone?'
And straight away the voice replied,
'You won't - I'll walk with you.'
So, tentatively I put out my foot
And took a step on the rock in front
I moved forward just one pace
And stood again in the dark, quite still.

'Walk on', the voice said in my heart,
'Keep moving, don't stand still.
For although, to you, the way is unclear,
I know the way you should go.
Trust me to lead you onwards
Though the weather may close in more.
Hold on to me as you walk my way
And I'll take you to where you should go.

So slowly, step by single step,
I began to walk.
And my feet stayed firm on the rock beneath
As I journeyed onwards into the unknown
And though the way ahead was still obscured,
And the fog stayed thick and close
I trusted in the one with me
And walked on, in faith, with Him.

(c) Ali Taylor 2008