You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  — Psalm 16:11

This past Saturday, I found myself getting up early to drive a sports team a couple of hours away.  I got up and read the Word of the Lord along with this preaching book that I’ve been reading.  I prayed kind of a draggy prayer and was honestly wondering what in the world I was doing choosing to work on a Saturday.

As I started to drive, the team crashed out on the bus pretty hard . . . they certainly were prepared for it with their pillows and blankets.  The morning light began to fade in, and it was like my soul just woke up.  Suddenly, I had a goal to give the team the smoothest ride possible.  I began to think of how the Lord cares for me like that.  That team completely trusted me and my driving whether they thought about it or not.  I do the same with the Lord.  My trust is in Him.  I know at times when I’m not thinking about Him and all He does for me . . . He still wants to give me a smooth ride and to bring me to my destination.  I couldn’t help but begin to praise Him in my spirit and tell Him how much I love Him.  

As the sun rose, the light was reflecting off the lakes and trees.  The beauty seemed to be magnified tenfold.  I became aware of how much the Holy Spirit inside me was enjoying it all.  It made me, who took that stuff for granted all the time, enjoy it more than I have in a long time.  It is like we were looking at it all together.  I was experiencing true joy.  Out of nowhere I asked, “Lord, would You like to drive?”  In my mind, I allowed the Spirit to take the wheel and just enjoy driving like I had been.  I thought about how I wanted and needed to do that more in my life.  Too often, I want God to be with me while I do what I do.  How much more wonderful would life be if I’d swap places?  I’d like to be with Him while He does what He does.

Lord, thank You for bringing back to life what following You is really all about . . . a relationship with You.  Help me get on board with what You’re doing and stop trying so hard to lead my own life.  I want to stay in Your presence and remain in this fullness of joy.  You have guided my path for thirty-four years now, and that includes so many times where You had to place me back on the path because I wandered so far away from You.  You really do take care for me, even when I’m not thinking about it.  You really do love me.  Help anyone who reads this experience this fullness of joy.  This world is not my home.  Help me be a light that so shines before men, that others see my good deeds and want to glorify You, my Father in heaven.  Amen