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The news can feel overwhelming. Another shooting. Another war. Another story of senseless violence can sometimes leave us shaking our heads in disbelief. In recent days we’ve watched the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and seen escalating violence across our political divide. It is easy to feel helpless, even hopeless, in the face of so much brokenness. It is times like this that we must call on God to show us the way.
It is in moments like these that music sometimes gives words to what our hearts cannot fully express. Years ago, the band Styx released a song called Show Me the Way. The lyrics capture a prayer that feels just as real today as it did then: “Every night I say a prayer in the hope that there’s a heaven, but every day I’m more confused as the saints turn into sinners… Show me the way.” Isn’t that what so many of us feel when we see the world’s pain? We want to believe. We want to trust. But our hearts whisper: Lord, please, show us the way.
Faith is not always steady. It rises and falls with the seasons of life. There are times when we feel strong, and times when the world’s chaos shakes us to our core. Even in Mark 9:24 a desperate father once cried out to Jesus, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Those words may sound like a contradiction, but they capture the truth of the human heart. We believe, yet we sometimes struggle. We trust, yet we sometimes doubt. And in that tension, God meets us with grace.
In Psalm 25:4-5, the psalmist once prayed, “Make known to me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me.” That same prayer is echoed in the song we are reflecting on today. When we ask God to show us the way, we are asking Him to guide us through the fog of uncertainty. We are asking Him to lead us to hope when despair feels easier, to peace when anger seems more natural, and to love when hatred shouts the loudest.
I rarely use a song twice in my 4th Day Letters, but when I recently heard Show Me the Way again, it seemed to call out to be used once more. Has the world lost its innocence? Have those we once saw as saints turned into sinners? Have all of our heroes and legends fallen to idols of clay as the song suggests? I last reflected on it in 2017 in a 4th Day Letter called Help My Unbelief. In the official music video, a young boy rides through the desert and sees a couple kissing — a striking image of innocence watching a broken world with confusion. It mirrors the song’s prayerful cry for guidance. Here is the link to the video.
The way of Jesus is not the way of retaliation or revenge. It is not the way of violence answered with more violence. His way is forgiveness, mercy, and love. That way is not easy to follow. It can feel upside down compared to the way the world works. But it is the way that leads to life. When Jesus faced betrayal and violence, He did not strike back. He carried a cross, laid down His life, and showed us that love has the final word.
Each time we pray, “Show me the way,” we are not only asking God for comfort. We are asking Him to help us live differently so that others might glimpse His light through us. The world may seem dark, but even the smallest act of kindness is a candle that pushes back the night. Perhaps God is showing us the way when we choose to forgive. Perhaps He is showing us the way when we respond to cruelty with compassion. Perhaps He is showing us the way when we pray for peace in war-torn lands and then seek to be peacemakers in our own homes and neighborhoods.
So today, in what seems like a very dark world, I invite you to listen to the song again. Let the words settle into your heart. Perhaps we could all recite this prayer: Lord, the world feels confusing. Violence makes no sense. Hatred feels stronger than love. I do not always understand. But I believe You are here. Show me the way. Show me the way to hope. Show me the way to peace. Show me the way to love. And when I falter, lift me again.
Even though the world feels lost, we can trust this: God has not abandoned us. He is still the Way. And if we keep praying, listening, and following, He will continue to show us the way forward.
Heavenly Father, Jesus promised, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Help me to hold on tightly to that spiritual reality. He is not just the way…..He is the ONLY WAY. He is the light in our often very dark world. Amen!
AMDG
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.
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Isaiah 55:8-11 is a great encapsulation of this very encouraging and helpful “show-me-the-way” 4th day letter. A great read Brian. I love to dovetail your reflections which can take me higher to His Providential Love.
Paul
The verses from Isaiah 55:8-11 are indeed truly inspirational. They tie in with this message well. Thanks for sharing.
Brian
Your messages always seem to be the one I needed that particular Tuesday. But when I listened to Pope Leo recently about his concern for America assuring us of God’s constant touch, and now yours today, Brian, I choose to stop listening to the constant chatter and ‘Be Still.’
Brian, the WORLD needs this message today. There is far too much hatred & we need to turn back to God. Thank you, Gayden.
Gayden
Yes far too much hatred and violence. Thanks for your post.
Brian
Oh Brian! Did I ever need this letter today. You are helping to show me the way. Thank you so much. God bless you, your family and your ministry
Jim
Thanks for your post and message.
Brian
“The way of Jesus is not the way of retaliation or revenge. It is not the way of violence answered with more violence. His way is forgiveness, mercy, and love. That way is not easy to follow. It can feel upside down compared to the way the world works. But it is the way that leads to life. When Jesus faced betrayal and violence, He did not strike back. He carried a cross, laid down His life, and showed us that love has the final word.”
Thank you, Brian! Such a wonderful message. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” “Forgive seven times seventy times.” The world hungers for the truth of Jesus.
Gloria
Amen!
Brian
Thanks Brian..I’m having an “up and down” year #42 of teaching…this reflection helped at the start of the day!
Bill
I am glad to hear it helped. May your up days far exceed your down ones!
Brian
Thank you for the timely call back to a powerful, yet simple song that shows a way forward in faith, hope, and love. I’ll will go to sleep tonight grateful for lyrics playing in my head once again. May all of our illusions be washed away so we may see God’s truth and live accordingly, with and for one another, and God -in peace!
Blessings to you!
Bob Davis
Bob
I hope the message, the song, and the gentle touch of Jesus gave you a good night’s sleep.
Brian