“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;”
I found myself on a boy scout ranch in Central Texas one summer. We were on a trek to backpack into the Central Texas hills and stay the weekend. I was with my brother and my dad along with many of our boy scout troop families. It was a place where I had never been. I was generally familiar with the overall area, but once we left the blacktop and headed into the ranch, I was clearly in unfamiliar territory. The good news is that Mr. Blaylock, our scout master, had been there many times. He was our leader. He would inspect all of our gear and make sure we were all ready to go before we headed off into a place that very few of us knew. As we started out hiking our 8 miles into the woods, all was good because we were being led by a seasoned scout master that everyone trusted. Some crazy things happened on that trip like a freak snow storm, freezing temperatures, and an 8 mile hike back to the vehicles in snow in Central Texas. We were even met by some ranchers on mules making sure we were OK. What a trip.
When most of us make a decision to follow Jesus, we often feel like I felt at the beginning of this epic weekend hike, in an unfamiliar place not really sure of where to go or even if we are prepared. Upon seeking advice from seasoned Christians they say what 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, ” For we walk by faith and not by sight.” Great, what does that mean and how are you going to do that? How do we walk by faith? Are we supposed to believe God is going to guide me on whether I am supposed to stop at Starbucks or get a donut? After all, how can we be led by what we cannot even see? All very good questions and ones I have had to wrestle with as well.
Isaiah gives us a download from the Lord to help us out. Verse 12 says we, “go out in joy and be led in peace.” Also somewhat cryptic but allow me to explain. Following Jesus means that we trust His guidance. If we trust His guidance then we should have a peace that covers us knowing that peace is what we feel when He is guiding us (Philippians 4:7). Kind of like walking in a huge line hiking through Central Texas in a freak snow storm because you know that your scout master is at the head of the line leading you.
You see, I could not even see where we were going on that weekend, I just followed others who were being led down the same path, trusting the leader. As we hiked back in the snow we were having so much fun, you could say the hike back was more fun than when we hiked in.
Today, ask the Lord to change your hard non-trusting heart into a heart of joy and let that joy be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Rest in the peace of God that passes all understanding and let it guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). When you step out every day you should go forth in the joy of the Lord and be led forth in His perfect peace.
One more thing, we all woke up that morning with snow on the ground and started hiking out. We could hear some of the dad’s very concerned about our situation. Without hesitation, Mr. Blaylock spoke up and calmed their fears saying we were going to have a great time.
It is OK to be concerned with moving forward with Jesus. We were all at the mercy of Mr. Blaylock, deep in the Central Texas hills covered with snow. We began our journey out with peace and joy trusting in our leader and not the circumstances were in. Others are hiking out of their own freak snow storm of life. They may be scared and unsure of moving forward trusting Jesus. Just like we did, get in line behind those who are following Jesus and let His peace lead you forth in joy.
Prayer: Father, help us to calm our own fears and trust in you. We often cannot see where we are going or what this decision will look like tomorrow, but we can put our trust in you. I pray that we go out in joy and be led forth in peace. In Jesus name, amen.
Let It Go 
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