Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, Virgin Israel, return to your towns. —Jeremiah 31:21 (NIV)
I have read Daily Guideposts (the devotional now called Walking in Grace) for many years. This is a fond tradition for me. However, it is ironic that I have not glimpsed the word guideposts within the text of the Bible until today. This morning I read Jeremiah 31:21 for the first time and the word guideposts jumped off the page with new insight.
Becoming lost or disoriented on our life’s journey is a common experience for most people. As we traverse adulthood we are forced to travel new paths. We often fear we have lost our way, our perspective, and our connection to God and each other. It seems we have not seen a clear guidepost to give direction in a long time.
What helps me find direction in my life is listening to the stories of fellow travelers. My primary mentors, guides, and teachers have been men and women who told me their stories—their trials, victories, defeats, fears, and hard-earned lessons.
Perhaps our own story is the most helpful thing we can give to another person. To share those rare moments when a guidepost appeared on our roadside that sent us in new directions or connected us to paths long lost that led us home.
Today, in my heart I heard the old prophet Jeremiah speak an ancient word with new meaning: “Place for yourself guideposts so you won’t get lost.” Sharing personal stories with each other is how we create guideposts to lead us home.
Dear God, thank You for many people who have told me their story and placed guideposts on my path. Amen.
Digging Deeper: Psalm 119:103–105; Proverbs 3:1–8
Excerpted from Daily Guideposts 2021.
