The Paths We’re Called to Wander

We vow not to let the hardships of life overtake us, but they do sometimes.

Sometimes the darkness stretches out before us and over time, slowly it encompasses our thoughts and emotions and… everything.

We determine not to let it affect our relationships.

Rock our faith.

Make us bitter.

But eventually, we feel like we can’t help it.

Grief quietly comes in and makes her home whether we like it or not. We find ourselves on a journey we didn’t want to be on; stuck in a maze we wish we hadn’t entered. Desperate for relief, we run this way and that, hoping that eventually we’ll find the “right” way – answers that lead us out of this prison.

But we soon realize we’re lost and the way out doesn’t lie within ourselves. We collapse in a heap in the middle of it all and cry out – for what feels like the thousandth time – for relief.

But this time it’s different. We want a relief deeper than a change in circumstances. We don’t just want out, we want peace within.

We don’t just want answers; we want strength to keep looking for them.

We want a little hope. Something to remind us we’re not alone. A reason to keep pressing on in the dark until we find the light at the end of this tunnel.

This prayer, He answers – not always how we expect, but always with Himself. Surrender is almost always followed by a reprieve, because when we quit pursuing our own way, and instead follow His way, it leads to green pastures and still waters.

Joy comes after the relief because we realize we were never alone. Even the long, winding turns that felt pointless? When we look back we see more clearly – they were growing something good for us. Things like faith and endurance and reliance on the only One who can lead us home.

As we pursue Him, the road we should take becomes clear. He keeps His promise to make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

One small step at a time, we keep going. And while the end of our journey is a welcome end, we arrive grateful to have make the trip.

Because to walk with God is to know truth and freedom. Hope and grace. Deep, unconditional love.

To know God is to know life.

Keep going. Let His Word light your path, and He will revive your soul. (Psalm 19 & 119:105)

©️ Grace Baeten 2026