I have been driving a little slower lately. It’s not that I used to drive terribly fast. However, I had a feeling of hurry on the inside. This stressed me out, I would get aggravated with the traffic, and I carried that feeling with me when I arrived at my destination. I know I had to be raising my blood pressure and it wasn’t fun. I now set my cruise control and try to stay in the slow lane. Mainly I am referring to my commute to and from work, for which the majority of my drive is on the interstate. I now have a calmer feeling as I drive. I try to stay in my lane and not allow the circumstances around me to get under my skin. Sometimes I will listen to praise music. Other times I will drive in silence and soak in the presence of God. This has become a peaceful time for me.

This new practice has taught me a few things. I believe “stay in your lane” can have many meanings in life. We often worry too much about what everyone else is doing. This can swing two ways. We are often judgmental and point fingers at other people. In Matthew 7:3, Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” I believe Christians in particular shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Sorry to say, I am guilty of this at times too. But knowing how much grace God has extended to us, shouldn’t we extend that same grace to others?

Also, when we don’t stay in our lane, this might mean we are envious of where others are. We might wish we had what they have. One of the Ten Commandments instructs us to not covet (Exodus 20:17). It’s important to remember that God has a special plan and purpose for each of us. I had to remind myself of this not long ago when an author friend of mine released a new book. I felt a pang of envy, wishing that my next book was ready to be published. This lady is someone I admire a lot, she has a ton of biblical knowledge, and to me she appears to have it all together. Honestly, I am happy for her. But I still had to remind myself to stay in my lane.

We also have to be careful to stay in our Christian lane. There are worldly drivers around us, who might tempt us to come into their lane. They might try to get us to conform or to compromise. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

If we have veered out of our lane, God is there to help us get back on the right path. We just have to be willing to surrender the journey into His loving hands. God is faithful and trustworthy. We can count on Him to guide us. If we stay in our lane and allow the Lord to have control of the wheel, we will experience a peaceful ride.

© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas

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