Desires Lines

By Vickie G. Paver

I've heard of many phrases using the word line or lines, such as main line, party line, front line, hard line, crossed lines, punch line, assembly line and so on. Yet, the first time I ever heard of "desire lines," was when I subscribed to "The Word Spy," via e-mail. Since I have subscribed I've learned some new and interesting words and phrases. Desire lines are described as well worn paths in grassy areas, used either as short cuts or because of the lack of a sidewalk. The desire lines are considered "natural desire lines." Our natural bent to a certain path. Usually these paths are not straight, but twist and turn like a creek or a river.

Hmm, our natural bent to a certain path. It all made me wonder what my "natural desire line" was concerning my walk with God. Is it to walk according to my own desire line or to God's desire line for my life? Selfish desires can cause us to travel certain paths because it is just the thing we want to do or because we think that we know better than God.

Sometimes, God's aspiration for us is to travel a path less traveled. It may be a longer path, with rocks in the way, mountains to climb over or deep rivers to cross. Whatever course God takes us on, it is good to remember that God's course is our safest course. When our desires become God's desires, then we will stay on the right "desire line."

Isaiah 42: 16 "I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them."