My garage has a motion sensitive light switch. It’s very convenient. As soon as I step through the door from the house into the garage, it pops on. I don’t have to touch a thing. I don’t have to touch the switch when I leave either. After a minute or so with no movement detected, it will turn itself off.

The only problem is when I enter through the side door. The sensor can’t see around a corner over there so if I come in that way, the garage remains pitch black.

Fortunately, I usually remember where the obstacles are that I need to avoid. I step forward cautiously waving my arms in front of me until I come within range of the sensor, and the light turns on.

This morning I went out that side door to put some garbage in our bins. I took a few minutes to square things away, so when I came back in, the garage was dark. Unfortunately, my husband had parked our car much farther forward than usual, so when I stepped where I thought there would be a path, I bumped right into the car. When I turned on my phone’s flashlight, all was made clear.

I can’t see in the dark. And, apparently, my memory of where the car had been when I took the garbage out didn’t help me. Only by shedding light on my problem could I see my path forward.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

I may think I know how to handle things in my life. I may feel in control. I step forward confidently, assuming today will be the same as yesterday. But one day an unexpected obstacle will appear.

I can’t see around corners, and I can’t see into the future. But God sees all. When I trust Him to guide me, He will show me the way forward — the way around, over, or through my obstacle. I can trust Him like I trust my flashlight to reveal my path.

Dear God, thank you for your willingness to lead me along straight paths. Remind me to seek you every day. Forgive me for thinking I know the way. I trust you.