Tall stone walls rise all around–I’m in a massive maze
Where to turn, which path to take? There are so many ways.
If I take a step that’s wrong, I’ll fall in a trap.
I know them–they are numerous. I’ve seen them in my map.
Then there are the lurking foes, the monsters and the men.
I fear lest I should see one coming at me ‘round the bend.
I know I should be somewhere else–this place does not look right.
But how to get back on the track? There’s no clear path in sight.
And I could get in trouble if I simply linger here.
I need to get to somewhere fast–I feel a mounting fear.
Ask the Guide. I know I should. But I’m in such a state.
I’m too anxious, I’m too scared, to ask in faith and wait.
And so I run down one path–then double back in doubt.
It seems that each might lead to ruin–where is the way out?
I try to climb the walls to see, but they are much too high.
I’m stuck on ground, with tunnel vision. I can’t even fly.
What if I make one wrong move? So then I simply freeze.
Too scared one step could be my last. Too scared to even sneeze.
Then I think, if I could dig, I might get through these walls.
And so I dig and dig and dig…with no progress at all.
I know the general destination–how do I get there?
I just get tired, sore, and hot, and heading toward despair.
Finally I give it up. I sigh and sit and stay.
I look up at the bright blue sky. “Please help,” I softly say.
And then I sense him there with me, the good and gentle Guide.
Firm hand upon my shoulder, and His presence at my side.
He doesn’t say a word at first; His hand is warm and strong.
Finally He says, “Why are you worried? What is wrong?”
Did you not hear Me calling you? Why did you run in fear?
I wanted you to stay by me, instead of running here.”
I thought about my motives, and what had been my aim.
“I tried so hard to get it right,” I muttered now in shame.
I’d just had a fear of guilt, concern with just myself.
Blinded, I’d left love behind, and put faith on a shelf.
Trying just to save my skin, and keep myself from pain,
I had left the peaceful zone, and run away again.
Now the Guide had found me, and He soothed my foolish terror.
He spoke with words of reason, and explained to me my error.
“You need my guidance always, or you cannot find the way.
You should focus less on trying–more on what I say.
It’s not about self-righteousness; it’s more than being right.
You won’t get out by your own ways–I’ll get you out in spite.
Trust Me with your heart of hearts, and listen to My voice.
Follow My directions truly–make that your first choice.
I’m the only One who sees this maze from overhead.
I know which are wrong paths, and which ones to take instead.
I can see the labyrinth’s start, and I can see its end.
I know all the secret trails, and what lies ‘round the bend.
I will show you lovely paths, decked out with light and flower.
I will keep you safe from traps, protect you with my power.
I will lead your footsteps, if you’ll simply pause to hear.
I will guide you safely home, if you will let me steer.
Do not fear the shadows, and don’t choose the gloomy trails.
Keep my promises in heart, and trust they cannot fail.
I will not leave you in here–I won’t abandon you!
I follow through with what I say, and finish what I do.
Do not think I’m far away–I’m always very near.
Put those anxious thoughts away, and silence all that fear.
On My honor I will help–I’ll stay right by your side.
I’ll give you sharper eyes to see, if you in Me abide.
If you heed My guidance, you will not fall into traps.
I can give you words of counsel, and explain your map.
When you make it out of here, you’ll owe it to your Guide.
Not that you were always right, or that you tried and tried.”
I let that sink into my mind, and start to understand.
I smile at my Guide, and then He takes me by the hand.
“Now, let’s go,” He says. “Look there, a door is in that wall.
If I were not with you, you could not get through at all.”
Then I see the very path that I am looking for.
Finally I’m back on track as we go through the door.
Anxious clamors die away, and I feel peace inside.
I am not alone in this–I have a kindly Guide.
He can get me safely out. I know and trust He will.
And now I know to listen more–be humble and be still.
I’m not right, but that’s okay. I trust in One who is.
And I can walk in confidence, when my hand’s placed in His.
He will lead me step by step throughout this winding maze.
And I will see His perfect plan, when we get out someday.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6