Opinion

Walking in the light of the Saviour

Ruth Lilley offers encouragement to those whose paths seem dark, or who may be unsure which road to take.

Many times, over recent years, I have come to a place where it seems just too tricky to take the next step. I have felt lost, angry, hurt, numb, wounded, even broken. However, something within me has kept enabling me to take that next step. I’m not sure what keeps me, keeping on – maybe it is hope for the brighter day.
 
A few days ago, I was listening to a song called "Without You” by Aodhán King and the opening lyrics are, “Light my way, I don’t know these roads.” I realised that, right now, I really do not know these roads I am travelling on. If I rely on my own strength, my own wisdom, I am not going to make it through without rash words and many apologies.
 
I feel helpless because I really do not know these roads. I do not know how to navigate the pain I witness. Pain that is sometimes sad, sometimes angry, and pain that is unnecessary. The mindset of ‘it will make you stronger; it will create resilience’ is not as clear as it once was.
 
I find myself having to dig really deep, to let go again and again. ‘These roads’ are new and it feels harder to walk them than it ever has before.
 
Maybe it’s because I am focusing on ‘not knowing these roads’ and instead I should be looking to the first part of the lyrics – ‘light my way’. As the song continues, it says, ‘I can’t live without you, I can’t do this solo, I don’t know my way alone.’
 
Something needs to shift, and as I am not able to control the world around me, the shift must begin within me. As I accept that ‘I don’t know these roads’, I must also accept that I am not walking them alone. The best, brightest, most beautiful light is guiding my path.
 
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1 (New International Version).
 
I need to reset, to shift my focus. If I am to continue along these unknown roads, my gaze can no longer focus on my fear of taking unknown steps. Each step I take, whatever chaos it brings, can be taken with the certainty of not being alone. It can be taken with the certainty of strength by my side. It can be taken with the certainty of light and hope shining upon the next step.
 
My heart can take courage because the Lord is with me, I need not be afraid. When I fix my gaze on what is known, rather than being weighed down by what is unknown, it will be brighter. It might not be easier, there is likely to still be mess, but I am safe walking with my Saviour.

The image is courtesy of pixabay.com.

Ruth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

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