When you’re in a fog, it’s hard to find your way and easy to lose your bearings. I know, because I’ve been in a lot of fog this year. My forty mile drive to work takes me through scrubby desert hills, across open range, and into a river basin. I wish you could see it. When I first told people where I would be working, they mentioned fog. Until now, I didn’t know how fog can swallow us, but it can.
You know what fog is like. You’re in it with me now. But it’s not the kind on a windshield or clinging to rimrock. It’s fog pulled over us by current things around us. We didn’t know this fog could swallow us, but it can.
We instinctively know that in a fog, a wrong turn can be costly. You pop into Facebook to see birthday photos, but toxic words wash over you from the angry waves of people you thought you knew. You set out to meet a friend, only to find throngs of people are marching on blocked streets. Your small group tries to support a spouse left behind by a partner who isn’t sure any more of what gender they are or want to be. Your friend seems worried, and you know she has undocumented family members who fear deportation. Fog isn’t clear or easy to see through. By it’s very nature, it’s confusing and hard to navigate.
How are we supposed to feel about current things? The confusion and conflict around us sticks together in a fog we can’t cut through. If we’re in the habit of looking for someone else to follow, we may find ourselves off road. Like a heavy curtain, fog has fallen, making us want to see around it or behind it. It’s not just in my country, but also in nations and people groups swallowed in their own unique swirl.
In recent weeks, there have been times on my drive when I felt disoriented by the wall of white all around me. Gripping the steering wheel, I leaned in, slowed down and asked God to keep me on the road. I didn’t need to see everything; I just needed to see the road before me and believe it was not changed. He replaced my urge to panic with peace. He steered my way, reminding me of how faith answers the fog of these current days.
God has given us clear, unchanging guidance that still works in the current.
“You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33)
“So be very careful to act exactly as God commands you. Don’t veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road God commands so that you’ll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you’re about to possess.” (The Message)
Over and over in the Bible, the writers use the theme of staying on the path or the road, not letting our feet slip or stray to the side. Even when it’s hard to see, ESPECIALLY when it’s hard to see, we have to keep our eyes fixed in faith on what’s sure. God’s truth provides that path. When I can’t see my way, I know I have to keep my eyes on the road directly in front of me.
- Where does God talk about this in the Bible?
- What does God say about this?
- How can I make decisions to follow this?
When you’re in a fog, it’s hard to find your way and easy to lose your bearings.
When I first encountered the fog I heard about, I thought I might try to find another car to follow. I looked for tail lights. I debated pulling over and parking. Looking around can create more confusion! I’ve learned I can navigate fog if I simply keep my eyes on the road.
When in thick fog, nothing has changed. The road is still the road. The right way is still the right way.
“Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
(Proverbs 4:26)
Do you find yourself in a fog? Feeling confused relationally? In your church life? In conversations with family? In ethical issues at work? On social media? With a decision? Not sure where to put your faith? It’s currently foggy out there, I know. Let’s keep our eyes fixed firmly on the road before us. Eyes fixed on faith will see through the fog.
“You make known to me the path of life …” (Psalm 16:11)
Thank you for this post, Julie! It really is so important that we keep our eyes fixed on God, day in and day out, in ALL circumstances. It is not always easy, but it is always best. Your sentence, “Eyes fixed on faith will see through the fog” sums it up perfectly. 🙂
You’re welcome Susan. It’s that “in all circumstances” that can add to the fog, but that’s when it really matters most that we keep our eyes fixed on faith. Praying your view is clear today 🙂