We often hear it said that life is a journey. And it surely is.

God sets us out on our journey from our very first breath, drawn the day we enter this world and the journey continues until we draw our last breath upon leaving this world.

In between that span of time, are the twists and turns our journey will take us on. Every journey is different, not a single one quite the same, for God works in our lives in unique and personal ways.

For the last year, the idea of life as a journey has been weaving in and out of my thoughts. Life has a funny way of turning out so differently than we plan. Some parts of the journey are joyous, swelling our hearts almost to the point we cannot contain the joy. Other parts, wound our hearts to the point we feel like our hearts will break apart. Then there are the ordinary parts in which our hearts just maintain their steady beat.

Here’s the thing I truly am discovering and believing with all my heart –

Every mile of our journey matters.

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8, NLT).

To truly believe every mile of our journey matters, this verse tells us we must believe three things:

1. God will guide us. ‘Guide’ has been defined as “to assist (a person) to travel through, or reach a destination in, an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or giving directions to the person” (dictionary.com). Even when we are unsure of the path ahead, we must trust He knows the way in which He is leading us.
2. God will advise us. On those days we have no idea what we are to do, where we are to turn or go, we must hold onto the truth God will give counsel that is worth our following. His counsel is based on full knowledge of our lives from beginning to end, and His ways will always be best.
3. God will watch over us. God’s eyes are never off His own. He is alert to see what has occurred, and what is yet to happen. No detail of our lives escapes His watchful eye.

Now we know what God’s part is in our journey, but what is it we are to do as we travel each mile of the way?

“Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control” (Psalm 32:9, NLT).

May we not be stubborn or refusing to go where led like a stubborn animal who refused to go where its rider intends. May we be humble, obedient, and submit to the Lord’s leading.

There is a joy which comes to us as we acknowledge God in every day of our lives …

“So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all of you whose hearts are pure!” (Psalm 32:11, NLT)