Getting Tripped Up

The last time we went to visit with Jimmy’s mom in NYC, I went for a walk one morning on part of the LoopTrail that runs along the East River. The whole thing is paved nicely, and really offers a great place for walkers, runners, and cyclists. 

As I was walking though, I kept tripping slightly over ‘waves’ in the pavement. I couldn’t tell they were there at first, and I kept wondering why I was tripping. Looking straight down on the path in front of me, I couldn’t see them at all. But when I looked ahead on the path, I could see the upcoming waves. They’re slightly raised areas caused by the roots of nearby trees.

It made me think of my spiritual life. God has made a smooth path for me through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. But throughout my life I’ve planted trees of sin close to the path, whose roots trip me up from time to time. 

And sometimes when I’m on my way back around the ‘LoopTrail’ of life, I forget that those trees were even planted. So when I get back around to that spot, not only have the trees grown several feet high, the roots have also snaked their way under the path, just waiting to trip me up.

I need to keep my head up, looking for those places, so I see them coming. When I recognize those places on the path, I can avoid them. Or better yet, get rid of the trees that are close to the path before they start causing problems. 

Psalm 119:5 “O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!”

Psalm 25:4 “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”

Psalm 119:59 “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”