Sound familiar? I heard those words often as a child. I was forever being told to stop, look and listen when I came to an intersection before I crossed the street. This, of course, is actually good advice for anyone walking or riding a bike, as it could help them to avoid getting hit by a car that they didn’t see or hear coming, all because they didn’t take the time to stop, look and listen.

I feel like these words are still relevant advice for me today. I often find myself at an intersection, a crossroads in my life’s journey, which I need to safely cross while also needing direction about which way to proceed. Coincidentally, my Heavenly Father’s advice is the same three words, stop, look and listen. (ok, technically four words) If only I would heed His call to stop, look and listen before I rush into the intersection oblivious to any impending danger. He implores me to “stop” –

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Wait for the Lord and keep His way.” (Psalm 37:34)

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;” (Psalm 37:7)

When I am still and waiting on God, next I am instructed to “look” –

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” (Hebrews 12:2)

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

and I am instructed to “listen” – Jesus said,

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) – I just have to listen.

I come to intersections every day in my faith walk. It is at these crossroads in life that I need to heed the admonition to stop, look and listen before attempting to cross on my own, putting myself in danger if I haven’t looked to be sure the way is clear. Seems as though I too often run full speed ahead into the crossroads, oblivious to oncoming traffic, because I haven’t stopped so as to give myself time to look to my Heavenly Father for His direction and to listen well to His words of wisdom before continuing on my journey. I want to remember to stop, look and listen every time I come to a crossroads. I will –

“Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct my paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

stopping to wait on Him, looking to Him, listening to Him,

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ ” (Jeremiah 6:16)

sincerely, Grace Day