“The guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road.” Proverbs 21:8 NLT

If we walk our own path, we will find twists and turns in the road. We may think this way is best. This is primarily because we can see what is ahead. Our best guess is just that, a guess. We use all of our mental energy and emotions to figure out the way that will bring the most security. We also want to ensure comfort. This is not wrong, in fact it sounds very responsible. If all you have to depend on is yourself, then this is a good model for living.

But there is a better way.

In John chapter 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep. David tells us in Psalm 23 that our Shepherd will lead us to green pastures and still waters. In other words, God will guide and provide. It is only a rebellious sheep that wants to go its way and not trust the shepherd.

Jesus calls us sheep for a reason. We are practically incapable of protecting and caring for ourselves compared to following God’s lead. A sheep that follows its shepherd will be at peace and content, knowing nothing is going to harm it.

We can have dreams and desires, but we submit those to God and His timing and direction. Humbly submitting ourselves daily to Jesus’ lordship over our lives frees us from stress as life becomes a smoother road.

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT