I have a terrible sense of direction. Spatial orientation is not my strong suit. I easily lose my way, forget where I parked, and get turned around in unfamiliar places, or sometimes, even in familiar ones. In fact, my running joke about our home church is that when I enter a stairwell on one level, I never know where I’ll come out on the other. For me, it is like entering a mystery transfer portal and always being a little surprised at where I end up, even after 20 years.

Before the days of GPS and Google Maps, when I would “lean on my own understanding” and try to find my way in unfamiliar places, I often got into trouble. It was so tempting to trust that little voice in my head telling me, “That way!” And sure enough, the more certain I was that I knew where I was going, the more likely I was to get lost, and be late. By trying to take shortcuts, I usually ended up backtracking and taking more time to get to the destination. Even so, sometimes, if I paid attention, I would find an unexpected blessing in the detour—for example, the opportunity to see something I would not have otherwise seen, or to experience the kindness of a stranger, or to learn a little more about the territory where I live. And sometimes where I ended up seemed to be a better or more providential destination than the one I had planned, a “divine appointment.”

Perhaps that is one reason that these verses from Proverbs are my favorite scripture passage. I never seem to know where I’m going, but God does. Even when I feel lost, if I fix my eyes on Jesus, and acknowledge him in all that I do, I know that he will direct my paths. He is much better at it than I’ll ever be.

I may not be great at finding my way, but I have learned how to trust God with all my heart, and especially to trust that no matter where I go, God will keep me on the right path.

Lord, when I am tempted to lean on my own understanding, remind me to trust in you. May I acknowledge you in all my ways, that you might direct my paths. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.