It’s A Jungle Out There – July 21, 2015

Psalm 23:3     He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 5:8     Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make your way straight before me.

Psalm 25:9     He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psalm 31:3     Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 143:10     Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Proverbs 4:11     I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

Proverbs 8:20     I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

For many people, life is—well, life is a jungle. Not a jungle of beasts and trees. Would that it were so simple. Our jungles are thickets of failing health, broken hearts, and empty wallets. Our forests are framed with hospital walls and divorce courts. It is a jungle out there. And for many, hope is in short supply.

Let’s see if we can brighten up the picture. The first answer would be a person. Someone to look you in the face and say, Don’t give up. There’s a better place and I’ll lead you there. David says in Psalm 23, “He restores my soul.” God is our good Shepherd and He majors in restoring hope to the soul. When God comes, your loneliness diminishes, your despair decreases, and your confusion begins to lift.  You haven’t left the jungle, but you have hope because you have someone who can lead you out.