The Mail Carrier

I thought it would be easy to navigate my way to the expressway from my new job, but I was not familiar with the neighborhood. To further my confusion, a few street signs were missing. The only sure landmark I had was a child’s soccer ball left in a yard. After passing the ball three times, I pulled my car to the side of the road, wiped sweat from my palms, and prayed. “God, please direct me. I want to go home.”

Suddenly, a mail carrier who was making his rounds made a U-Turn. “Ma’am, what address are you trying to find?” he said.

“I’m looking for I-95.”

The carrier gave directions and I went on my way, confident I could find the expressway. But then, I passed through another intersection with missing street signs. Was that where I was supposed to turn? This time, I did a U-turn, found my soccer ball landmark, and stopped.

The mail carrier’s reflection appeared in my rear-view mirror. “Still looking?” he said as he pulled beside me.

I nodded, trying to hide my flushed face.

“Wait here. I have three more letters to deliver. I’ll be back.” As promised, he returned. Then he led me to the highway.

Sure enough, the intersection with the missing signs was where I was supposed to turn. I can still see the carrier tipping his hat as I boarded the expressway.

Sometimes, navigating decisions in life is like driving with missing street signs. God understands His people need help so He provides His Word.

Psalm 119:11a KJV reads, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart.”

When I commit God’s Word to memory, I can be as confident as the mail carrier who had the streets on his route memorized. I’m guessing he also knew the child who owned the soccer ball, and neighbors by their first names.

Psalm 119:105 KJV reads, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Just like the mail carrier led me to the expressway, God’s Word gives us directions that work.

In each of the 176 verses of Psalm 119, the psalmist encourages me to incorporate the truths of God’s Word into everyday living. Just as the mail carrier helped me to reach my destination, God gives His Word as a safe and reliable guide we can depend on.

Father God, help me to know Your Word intimately so it becomes my sure guide.

Copyright © July 2019 Diane Virginia, used with permission.