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I was rereading our 040607 Internet Newsletter article on polysyndeton and chuckled as I got to the speed bump analogy. The “ands” act like speed bumps to slow us down and encourage us to consider each item separated by the “ands.” “Speed bumps” attract my attention. I have to watch for speed bumps for I have a tendency to drive a little fast. Last week while in Montrose, CO I encountered the most dramatic and effective speed bumps I have ever seen. These bumps almost brought one to a complete halt. People did not speed through that parking lot.
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Ready for yet another analogy with “speed bumps?” It seems that our journey down the highway of life are often interrupted with speed bumps. They are not all accompanied by signs announcing their presence. Many are often hidden and camouflaged. Often jarring and debilitating, they may effect us dramatically. These disappointments and tragedies cause some to pull over, while others gaze back in their rearview mirrors.
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God wants us moving on to the future with excitement and passion. We have a future full of hope. Hope is God’s antidote to disappointment and discouragement. The things down the road can be more thrilling and fulfilling than anything to date. Why wouldn’t God take us to a better place? He has an expected end for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Where are our expectations? In Psalms 62 David considers his bumps in the road and boldly tells his soul what to do for he expects God to get him through them all.
Psalm 62:1-12: {To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.}
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. 11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. 12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
  God does not want us stuck in the past. We must change our focus… stop looking through the rearview mirror and clean the debris from our windshields. Here are some keys I have found useful in responding to the jolts in the road, letting go of the past, and moving ahead with the things of God.
I choose. I refuse to be a victim. God will help me break free from the past and its chains. I learn from the past, but I do not let it control me.
I accept God’s deliverance. Instead of letting the hurts and tragedies have the preeminence, I give God and His Word first place in my life. His Word, not my experience, are my chart and compass.
I avoid paralyzing nostalgia. My best days are not behind me. My success and the thrill of my spiritual walk with God are not dependent on any special time, place, or situation that can never be recaptured. I don’t rest on my laurels, and I’m not intimidated by past successes or failures. I prove all things and hold fast the good. I contribute as God opens doors. I don’t need to know what’s around the bend. I just need to know what God wants me to do now.
I cultivate current relationships. Heartbreak over old broken relationships may be healed. My relationship with God forms the basis for all our other relationships. As I keep my fellowship with God sweet, He will sweeten every other relationship I have.
I pour my heart out to God. Instead of denying the hurt, numbing myself with drugs or alcohol, or distracting myself with busyness, I cast my cares (my hurt feelings and shattered dreams) on God knowing He cares for me. Breaking free from life’s traumas is not always easy. Getting rid of toxic emotions may not happen overnight. Confessing anger, fear, resentment, and bitterness and leaving them behind is necessary. God is not to blame for my troubles — He is the only way out of them. He will cleanse me, and I will enjoy it.
I forgive. I refuse to let the hurt inflicted by others to continue to debilitate me. I allow no one to control my life or separate me from God. Christ paid the dearest price so that I can have God’s best freely. Forgiveness doesn’t depend upon fairness or how I feel. It’s a choice I make. It is the path I take that brings me back to God’s Word and will.
I let go of unhealthy attachments. I refuse to hold on to things from my past that have no place in my future. I refuse to wallow in sorrow over something over which I have no control. I have a fresh and new beginning whenever I ask for one. God’s strength will get me through every storm and struggle. I encourage others and respond thankfully to the encouragement of others.
  God has so much yet in store for us. Let’s not limit Him! Expect Him to work with you greater and greater everyday as you move ahead on the road of life using His Word as your atlas. What an adventure lies ahead! Let God take you to a better place.
