As practically-minded people, we can sometimes get bogged down in the logistics of life. Where should I go? What should I do? These are obviously important questions that need to be considered. What gets us into trouble is when we make idols of the answers to these questions.
Isaiah is prophesying over the remnant of Israel. He tells them that God will be with them, that God is with them. He tells them their leaders will be empowered as His servants. And he tells them an extraordinary truth: no matter where you go, the presence of God is transcendent. So, walk in whatever way you choose with courage and character.
The truth is, there are good choices and bad choices. Some things we ought to avoid. But there are also an array of choices that are between two good options. This happens more than we realize. God’s will is not one of these good options over another. God’s will is that we will choose one and walk in it faithfully.
When we make an idol out of circumstances, we believe that making the right choice about circumstantial matters will lead us to peace, joy, and love. This is out of order. When we decide to be people of peace, joy, and love, we will find that the circumstances are most often a decision about in what context we want to live these truths out.
Wherever we go, whatever we decide, God is with us. Even, miraculously, in bad choices. He is there. Finding the right way is not a matter of logistics, it is a matter of recognition. When we acknowledge God, worship Him, and follow His guidelines for wisdom, we discover that the right way is not about where we go but who we trust.