Life in the Middle of the Road

Psalm 119:1-8 (Message)

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.

America has a well-developed infrastructure of highways and roadways for safe travel. Clearly marked with painted lines and distinct road signs along the way, these roads are designed to safely and efficiently move vehicles to their final destination. With a few teenage drivers over the past three years, one thing needed to master safe driving is to learn to stay in the proper lane. To become comfortable in the middle of the road, not too close to the center line or dangerously close to the shoulder of the road, young drivers must learn to consistently maintain position in the appropriate lane. There have been a few close calls as novice drivers drift a bit too far to the left or right, but I am happy to report all our drivers have seemed to master road placement. There is a greater question in life in regards to our pathway to destiny. God has established a path for our journey to purpose and eternal life. It is clearly marked with boundaries and road signs to direct us to our destination. The only way that we will fail to arrive is if we allow ourselves to take unexpected detours along the way. Just as drivers must learn to maintain a proper positioning on the asphalt highways of this country, we must endeavor to properly position ourselves on the Lord’s Pathway to His Kingdom.

Life in the middle of the road is a life of consistency that pleases God. Not being given to our own way or the extremes in society, we are able to continue to move into the purpose and destiny that the Lord has mapped out for us in His Perfected Plan. There is no room for careless driving in this pursuit as it requires careful attention to God’s Ways and His Word. Maybe you think living in the middle of the road is boring and not adventurous enough for you! Just as when we choose to ignore a red light it is inevitable that a traffic ticket will follow, it is a sure thing that trouble will follow God’s Child who chooses to ignore the guidelines God has established. A price will be paid! It can be danger, delay, distractions, or a multitude of other traps that the enemy has gladly laid for your demise.  By maintaining position in the middle of God’s Life Path, it is an outward display of an inward commitment to obedience and consistency both of which greatly please the Lord. They are qualities that He can work with and His Word says, “God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around.” Love covers a multitude of things and meets almost every need. God’s Love and His Favor go hand-in-hand and will change your life all because you chose to stay on course. Psalm 32:8 (NLT) says “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” God’s Promise to guide you, advise you and watch over you beats any roadside assistance plan that you could ever buy! It will keep you from becoming stranded on the side of the road as a victim of satan’s distraction.

Proverbs 2:6-9 (NLT)

For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair and you will find the right way to go.

Let me encourage you to strive for the middle of God’s Pathway for life today! The scenery may captivate your attention and cause you to drift but true fulfillment is found in close adherence to the Lord’s Way. Fascination with walking the boundary lines usually is an indicator that your feet are simply following where your heart has already gone. Don’t get sidetracked! Life is too short to deal with defeat, discontentment and delay! God offers great wisdom to those who walk in integrity. He will guard and protect you on the journey. Understanding is available to those who are willing to stay on course! God is calling you to walk this way! It is never too late to come back to the middle of the road!