Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Ultimate Terrain Response System


It had been three days. Three days of being housebound. To those living in the north, our predicament was laughable. It only took a few inches of snow for a good portion of our wonderful state of Georgia to shut down. But with only a few pieces of snow clearing equipment, and daily temperatures hovering around freezing, we were just thankful for plenty of food in the refrigerator, wood for the fireplace, and electricity.


After the novelty of the white stuff wore off, we were more than ready to escape the confines of our house and venture forth to see what was happening around town. We bundled up and headed out in the Land Rover with its dependable 4-wheel drive.


The streets in our subdivision were reminiscent of an ice rink. Fortunately, the Terrain Response System (TRS) in the LR2 offered us just what we needed - a setting that gave us maximum traction and control on hard-packed snow and ice. The owner's manual described it this way, "This exclusive capability optimizes drivability and comfort, and is like having a Land Rover expert sitting alongside you." In spite of less than ideal conditions, I realized our vehicle was equipped to handle them. A feeling of safety settled over me.


I've encountered all sorts of different terrain as I've journeyed through life - smooth, rocky, hilly, and often rutted. Oh, to be able to choose the appropriate setting and just turn a knob during life's challenging moments, and know that I'd be equipped for the road ahead! The truth is, I have something infinitely better. The ultimate TRS - my Heavenly Father.


Psalm 121 is quick to point out where my help comes from, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth," (v. 1-2; KJV). Amazing! My God is the one who created this world. I'm convinced He is aware of all that goes on around me.


When the terrain gets rough, He knows all about it. He orchestrates every step of my path and He knows what excess baggage needs to be left behind as I travel forward. My job is to trust Him, knowing that He is with me all the way. He is the expert walking alongside me. His Word reassures me that He watches over me 24 hours a day, seven days a week, "...he that keepth thee will not slumber, " (Psalm 121:3b).


Yesterday, a feeling of safety helped us continue to drive to our destination although many streets were snow covered and slick. Day by day, knowing that my covenant-keeping God provides me with shelter, and promises to preserve me, I'm able to feel safe and secure.


Where do you look for help as you journey through life? Are you determined to go it alone? Look to the God of the universe, who is the expert able to help you successfully navigate life's road!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You are my keeper. You know the path that lies before me and exactly what I need for the road today. Thank You that You not only give me direction in Your Word, but that You walk alongside me each step of the way. Thank You for Your provision of safety! In Jesus' name, Amen.

4 comments:

  1. Amen! This is very much in line with what God has been speaking to me all this week ... the road we travel will always change, the conditions are never consistent, the terrain is unpredictable ... but we don't need to worry for one moment about our own abilities to navigate safely through. Jesus has already promised us that he will get us there =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Maria -

    Great analogy!

    Life's terrain is certainly unpredictable and scary at times. We encounter situations outside our frame of reference.

    I'm thankful I have the Supreme Navigator leading me.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Maria, what a wonderful analogy. I love it, because I love God's guidance and also because I love Landrovers, haha! I have a Landrover Discovery, permanent 4x4 is awesome, especially when living on a ranch, like we do here. I have pulled the Fedex man out, the mail man, and many others who got stuck in the mud. Isn't God like that too? He is able and willing to pull us out of any mess we have gotten ourselves into!
    Great post, thank you, blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh my goodness, in our small group we are memorizing Psalm 121, and this is exactly what I did NOT do this past week!

    Urgh! I was so overwhelmed with "tasks" that I failed to look up to the hills, or keep my eyes on the One who never slumbers and fought with anxiety. It has been awhile since I have had to fight that fight. It left me feeling defeated, weary and worn...until I looked up finally to the hills and found my "very present help".

    Thanks for the clarity expressed, it helps me see more clearly how I slipped.

    ReplyDelete