Let Jesus Be Your Guide When You Are Lost in the Woods

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Updated January 06, 2023

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The parting of tall grass began to slim down. We took single-file steps – literally one foot at a time – and were surrounded by an ever-encroaching wooded wilderness on both sides. It was in this moment that I began to run through the file of bear and cougar encounters alongside all of the tick reports for the Northern woods.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible explains, “Jesus does not teach a way to God, but rather is the way to God.” The way to the proverbial clearing in life is through Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 sings, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams” (Psalm 23:1-2). Jesus said,

The yoke is something used to guide animals. It would be comparable to the bit to steer a horse. We are sheep, in need of a shepherd. Sheep are not easily steered. They are stupid and stubborn. It takes them time to learn the voice of the shepherd, but they do learn his voice, and follow him. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He leads the way, and keeps us from going astray. The apostle John recorded Jesus’ words:

When we are lost in the woods, we can pause and pray to the Shepherd of our hearts. He is the Way. He is Emmanuel, God with us. His faithfulness and mercy are trustworthy. When we are frightened, He knows how we feel. He is compassionate, kind, dependable. He is the sword of Truth, more efficient than a walking stick to push branches and brush out of the way.

Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ at megbucher.com. She is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and "Sent, Faith in Motion." Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team at Salem Web Network. Meg loves being involved in her community and local church, leads Bible study, and serves as a youth leader for teen girls.

Let Jesus Be Your Guide When You Are Lost in the Woods

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