The way ahead

'It is grace to know God's commands. They release us from self-made plans 

and conflicts. They make our steps certain and our way joyful.'

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 'Psalms: the prayer book of the Bible'

It feels like we are living through increasingly desperate times. The cost of everyday living becoming more impossible for more and more people. Cuts and sanctions against people and places that are already struggling. Human rights are being eroded, free health care is being eroded, belief in the intrinsic value of a human being despite their productivity is being eroded. As more and more of my conversations involve people saying 'how am I going to live?' I find myself turning to the Bible for hope, and I find that the deeper the darkness, the brighter the light. 

The opening quotation was written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He lived in Nazi-controlled Germany and eventually died at their hands. I don't know at what point in his life he wrote those words, but I do know that he chose to stay in Germany out of loyalty to his fellow countrymen. Many, many Christians who have gone before us have made statements like this as God directs them in a way that seems anything but joyful. 

It can be a deep challenge to follow Jesus as he often leads where we don't want to go. As I try to live his way I can't count on a path free from trouble but I can count on his love. I can count on his faithfulness. I can count on his joy. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart. 

The commands of the Lord are radiant, 

giving light to the eyes. 

The fear of the Lord is pure, 

enduring forever. 

The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. 

Psalm 19