On my way to work, I accidentally smacked the curb with my front right tire going roughly 30 mph. I didn’t think much about it then, but as the week progressed, I noticed my once smooth ride converting into a shaky, must-use, two-hands-on-the-steering wheel type of ride. It was apparent my car required maintenance and quickly.
After the appointment with our friendly maintenance guy, I learned the initial bump to my tire caused minor damage to my alignment. However, significant damage to my front tire and axle occurred due to the lack of immediate attention. Continuing to drive my car after hitting the curb caused more damage than the initial bump itself.
Isn’t this true for us as well?
Misalignment
Unaddressed bumps in life have the potential to lead to more damage.
God considered David and man after His own heart, yet we see David in II Samuel 11 step out of alignment with God when someone shiny and beautiful flashed before his eyes. This one “bump” of lust in the road went unaddressed and led to adultery, a cover-up, a murder, and distance between David and God. However, in God’s love for David, He wouldn’t allow David to continue living as if all was well when, in reality, it wasn’t. God used the prophet Nathan to address David’s sinful choices and realign his heart with His.
Or how about Elijah? Elijah was an instrumental prophet during a turbulent time in Israel’s history. He witnessed and performed numerous miracles on behalf of the Lord, from raising a widow’s son from the dead, causing a jar of flour and jug of oil to never run dry, to fire falling from heaven (1 King 17-18). Yet, the “bump” of fear invaded Elijah’s mind, triggering Elijah to run away and give up. Again, in God’s unconditional love, God met Elijah with a gentle whisper, realigning Elijah to his calling and purpose (1 King 19).
Just as God actively pursued David and Elijah, He will pursue you should you find yourself out of alignment. Praise God!
Realignment
Breaking out of denial, addressing the "bump," facing the harm it has caused, and asking God and others for forgiveness are your steps to freedom and realignment with God. And when you seek realignment, you can be sure God’s forgiveness is waiting for you: “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5
God has excellent plans for you, and it’s up to you to stay aligned with what He is doing. It takes intentional focus and a proactive spirit to resist the constant noise and distractions tempting you to shift your eyes off Christ and journey down a path not designed for you.
Heart Maintenance
Just as your vehicle requires regular maintenance and check-ups to increase its performance and longevity, so does your heart.
A few suggestions to help you stay focused and aligned with the Father:
Spend intimate time in prayer and study with your Father and Savior each day,
Take weekly inventory of your life and heart by praying Psalm 139: 23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Address any "bumps" to prevent further misalignment with the Father.
Love and serve others
May you never become so accustomed to God’s presence that you neglect a constant pursuit of Him! Pursuing God keeps your heart aligned with His.
Comments