Guardrails

12-4-16

Yesterday Mark and I were driving in the county over from where we live. The road was particularly narrow and windy, even for our area. The mountain’s sheer drop off inches from the pavement on one side had him clenching the steering wheel with both hands and me gripping the passenger door’s hand rest. And there were no guardrails.

Driving with a barrier between your car and the edge gives a layer of security. Sure, maybe it’s still unsettling, but it means that a small error likely won’t send you straight over an embankment. I think that’s like life.

When we know what God says to do, and we do it, it keeps us where we’re supposed to be. It doesn’t take away the danger, but it helps us keep from getting into trouble. If we do mess up, then God is there to catch us. There could still be consequences, but a fender bender and needing a paint job is not nearly as bad as tumbling over the side of a mountain.

But this is what I commanded them, saying, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.” – Jeremiah 7:23

Sometimes people look at God’s laws as restrictive. To me they’re guardrails. Safety nets. If we follow God, we avoid a lot of heartache. We will still make mistakes and have to deal with the consequences of those, but our lives will be much simpler and more peaceful. Guardrails only keep you from getting into what isn’t good for you, anyway.

Have God’s guardrails kept you safe from trouble lately?

May the Lord bless and keep you,

Heather