The Traffic Cop by Maria Hartman

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

It has been said that the human mind thinks about 10,000 thoughts per day. Regardless of the actual number, the concept of how many thoughts flow in and through our minds should cause us to ponder what it is that we think most about. And, where do these thoughts take us.

Go with me to a scenario involving a traffic cop. He is the one who keeps traffic moving in an orderly fashion, or directs traffic an alternate way.

That is the problem with our minds. There are far too many detours off of the main road. The side streets call out to our flesh from every direction. The choices are virtually unlimited, and so easy to access.

The following could well be a typical trip for many of us if we listen to the Detour Traffic Cop. As he stands with a smile and a neatly put together uniform, he stops you on the road you're on and points you in another direction. You want to get where you need to go as quick as you can, so you turn down 'Defeat Drive'. Without paying attention to the signs themselves, you follow the next detour and make a right onto 'Things Should Be Different Road'. After driving a few miles on your way, you come to 'Nobody Cares Place', and are purposely directed down that road. Although something isn't quite right, you figure you'll reach the main road eventually, so you stay on this road until you come to a fork. Here, the two choices before you are 'Lust Lane' or 'Satisfaction St.' At this point, it doesn't matter which one you choose, you are so far from the main road you have lost your bearings.

Although this is just an analogy, it is a real issue each of us faces DAILY. Our minds MUST diligently guard against any and all side streets. God Himself may direct us in a different direction at different points in our lives, but we must pay attention to the SIGNS. God will never encourage us to deviate from the clearly defined WAY, from the TRUTH, or from the LIFE we follow.

Our loving God has given us our very own Straight and Narrow Traffic Cop. His name is the Holy Spirit. This Traffic Cop is completely unlike the other. His job is always to keep us focused ahead on the narrow path before us. He takes joy in knowing we are following Him, one step at a time, forward and onward. He tells us plainly that those side streets hold nothing for our good, but only for our harm. Of course He knows they exist and that we see them, but in love He quietly and gently calls us to stay near. When we grieve His heart and turn down one of these other roads, He in His mercy offers us an extension: 'Forgiveness Way' appears just near enough for us to accept.

For today: The mind is a highway of flowing thoughts; one directly impacting another. It is of the utmost importance that we keep our immediate thoughts pure, being diligent to avoid even a stroll down 'Bitter Lane'.
How? By pouring the Living Word into our minds, and yielding our flesh to the control of the Spirit.

I've allowed both Traffic Cops to impact my thoughts. One always points the way to what is easy and comfortable, but leads to a place I don't want to wind up. The other always calls me to deny what comes so natural to my flesh and to focus on the road before me; following closely, listening intently, and KNOWING that no thought is better than the one that reminds me that I am His.

Who is controlling the traffic in your mind?

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.