The Safest Place to Be

by Evan Carlson

This morning while reflecting on what it means to live an intentional life in Christ, an image of walking through a thick jungle came to mind. You can’t see very far. You don’t know what’s up ahead. And it can feel a little overwhelming.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

—Colossians 4:2 NKJV

The intentional life in Christ is like walking a jungle path. It’s wild. It’s dense. It’s unpredictable. And even when the path clears a bit, it’s not without danger—there might still be snakes or rocks or unexpected challenges right in front of you.

But then I saw it—Jesus out in front, machete in hand, cutting the path. He’s not asking us to have it all figured out. He’s simply inviting us to follow. That path, even with all its rough edges, is the safest place to be, because Jesus is leading the way.

We don’t need to see five steps ahead—we just need to stay right behind Jesus —He’s clearing the way!

Even with a path in front of you, real dangers still exist. There might be snakes coiled in plain sight. Stones you could trip over. You still have to stay alert. But if you stay on the path Jesus is clearing, that’s the safest place you can be. Because stepping off the path—that’s where the real chaos lives.

Our verse jumped out at me as I was praying. We stay intentional by staying in prayer. By staying alert. By practicing gratitude, even when it’s hard to see beyond the brush. The path might only be visible one step at a time—but it’s enough. Jesus sees it all, and He’s already gone ahead of us.

So, if today feels heavy or unclear, that’s okay. Stay close to Jesus. Walk the step that’s right in front of you. Trust that He’s making a way.

Today’s One Thing

In prayer, ask the Lord, “What’s the next step You’ve made clear to me?” Don’t rush ahead. Just follow Him in that one thing today.

Go Deeper

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email