Where Do I Go From Here?

I first heard this old song many years ago as a teenager – Mr Google tells me it was released in 1962. Country music in general, and Jim Reeves in particular, were certainly not my favourite… but I recently remembered this song.

There have been times when life has been busy. There’s been plenty to do and I’ve just got on with it. Each day comes and goes. I’m caught up in whatever’s going on. There’s no time to think. Life just happens.

At other times I’ve paused and asked the question, ‘What’s next?’ It might be about… friends or family… mental or physical health… a difficult pressing decision. ‘Where do I go from here?’ could be asked with excitement and anticipation, in doubt and uncertainty, in grief and despair.  

Where do I go from here?
What fate is drawing near?
Touch my heart
And guide my lips in prayer.

Through the grace of God alone
I’ll cast aside these fears I’ve known
And lift myself from
The depths of deep despair.

Jim Reeves asks, ‘Where do I go from here?’ as a prayer. Acknowledging his fears and despair, he brings them to his gracious God. He can’t sort out his problems on his own; he can’t answer the questions that his life brings. He comes simply, honestly, asking that God will, ‘Touch my heart and guide my lips in prayer.’

I like that prayer. His prayer becomes my prayer:

Lead me through the darkness
And through each gloomy day.
Take my hand, oh, precious Lord
And help me on my way.

Give me strength that I might find
Abiding faith and peace of mind
And I won’t ask
Where do I go from here?

Lead me… I don’t pray that life’s darkness and gloom will be taken away, but that God will be with me and lead me through it.

Take my hand… I’ve held my parents’ hands, my wife’s hand, my children’s hands. Praying that God will take my hand is a demonstration of closeness, care and trust.

Give me strength… I pray for strength alongside faith and peace. It’s strength to live well, contentedly, comfortable with myself and others, entrusting my situation to God.

And I won’t ask…  I’m challenged. With God’s strength, faith and peace I trust Him to take my hand, walk with me, lead me, guide me, protect me – so I don’t ask, ‘Where do I go from here?’ I don’t need to know, because He’s with me.