The STOP and GO of LIFE

On a recent trip while exiting the interstate I noticed just how much traffic there is on ‘surface’ streets. Everyone is going somewhere. But it wasn’t just the traffic that caught my attention. It was the Stop Lights—the signals. I realized they direct people on the roads. I also recognized that the signals determine when you can go, and definitely when you need to stop. That got me to thinking.

Isn’t that how our lives are? Our lives are full of many stops and goes along life’s journey. Sometimes it may be you’re facing too many stops. Whatever has brought about a temporary stop in your life isn’t the end of the road. Life goes on, and soon the light changes again, and you’re moving forward once more.

I think of King David, and even though they did not have anything so sophisticated as ‘signals’ in his day, he still experienced some stops along the way. I’m sure if it wasn’t for some of those stops, his life could have been different. But in every situation, King David kept going forward. He really didn’t retreat. He pressed deeper into God, following Him with his heart, and he enjoyed continued blessings.

That’s how we should live. Keep moving forward. Don’t let a temporary stop keep you from pursuing your dream or a new job opportunity or anything else good. Just because you have a stop along the way doesn’t mean life is over. Life goes on and so should you.

Don’t retreat and let the pressure of the temporary stop cause you to stay negative about yourself or your life. This is especially true in the area of emotions. When you let them run your thoughts, you’ll be in a continual flux between thinking good and following some irrational emotions directing further thoughts and decisions. Remember that emotions are always subject to change. Wait out the red light, the wayward emotions, and you’ll be back in your lane, traveling ahead to better things.

Yes, there are many stops and goes times in life. That’s to be expected. Just don’t stay at the stops too long; otherwise someone will be blowing their horn at you.

Keep moving forward. God’s got even better things ahead for you.