From The Pastor - June 2019 Newsletter “In All Your Ways…” I’ve always been a firm believer in, “When lost, ask directions.” Sometimes men get accused of wandering aimlessly, too proud to stop and find out how to get where they are going. I’m not generally one of them. And thank the good Lord for smart phones that can give you directions simply by entering the address. Google Maps is my friend. I often wish there was a Google Maps for life. I think back to decisions I have made throughout my life time. Should I do this? Should I do that? It would have been nice to know what college I was supposed to go to. Or the age old question, “What should I be when I grow up?” Or, who shall I marry? What job should I take? What church should I attend? Should I take this call? At every juncture there are decisions to make, both large and small. It is then that I find myself in prayer, asking God for direction, for helping me to weigh my options, for a meaningful time of discernment. I ask for wisdom and guidance, and a sense of peace in the process. How often do we find ourselves feeling anxious as we ponder our problems? Yet, anxiety, generally, does not produce good judgment. We need to know that God is in the midst of our situation, our deliberations, that God is present with us.
Over the years, I have leaned on the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, and I have shared them with many as they sought meaning and direction for their lives. And so I share them with you, as we continue to discern God’s call for our lives, both individually and together as Emmanuel Lutheran Church. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”