How to Find Beauty in the Fog

The radio deejay warned us to use headlights. Dense fog threatened to slow the morning commute and cause accidents. I felt no fear, but I still used my lights, and I counted on other drivers to do the same. I needed them to be visible as I turned onto a busy road and could see only a few feet in front of my vehicle. My heart thumped as I pressed the gas pedal, hoping no surprise would appear out of the mist. Even our familiar path felt strange and different in the fog. I drove with an extra dose of awareness.

That morning drive was easy compared to the days when fog seems to fill my whole life. I hate those days. Indecision paralyzes me. My stomach feels sour, and all I can think about is how easy and straightforward other peoples’ lives look. I want to bury my head in the pillows, refusing to move until the fog lifts. Even then, I know the only way out of this life fog is walking to the edge of it, one tiny step at a time.

Sometimes heavy fog descends when an important relationship becomes murky. I sense trouble and I care, but I can’t see the path to where I want to go. Fog rolls in thick when I’m faced with a choice among many good options. A blessing masquerades as a liability. Fear of missing out on one opportunity robs me of the ability to choose another. The scariest veil is when Satan blows the fog of shame through my insides so I’ll keep myself hidden from the world.

Fog walking requires a robust trust muscle. We can’t see what’s true anymore. The fog robs us of the long vision we usually use to reassure and convince ourselves as we take steps. Walking blind necessitates faith in what we know to be true. But rock-solid truths still exist, even when they can’t be seen. These are some of the solid rocks that anchor my heart when the fog is thick.

God knows what he’s doing. He must. If he doesn’t, then I need to rethink my whole life, not only this moment in the fog. If he does, I’m safe no matter how muddled life feels right now. God’s complete and total answer to Job was, “I know what I’m doing.” If that was enough to make Job put his hand over his mouth, it’s enough for me. You can get a taste of God’s answers in the passage below. If your trust needs a stronger boost, get out your Bible and read the whole story of Job. His Word will show your trembling heart how big God is.

“Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, and said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’” (Job 38:4–7 MSG)

I have what I need for today. God’s expectations for me today, in this fog, consider my circumstances. He knows what they are and isn’t surprised. He planned for them and has prepared what I need to win. God said he knows what he’s doing, and my job is to live as though it’s true. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV).

God’s only expectation of me right now is to do the next right thing. I may have only enough light for the next step, but that is enough. If I keep taking the steps I know, the ones God’s Word has made clear, eventually I will find my way out of the fog. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ESV).

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Beauty can be found in the fog. Its arrival needn’t cause fear. It offers both a macro view of life and an opportunity to focus on a tiny sphere. When it dissipates, as it always does, the lessons you learned and perspective you gained will prove you weathered it well.

Lori Florida’s life is all about her people. She’s convinced that being Mrs. to one and Mommy to eight will be her most significant way to serve Jesus. She wants to use her life to cheer on and coach the women coming behind her. Lori blogs at loriflorida.com.

Photograph © Elizabeth Lies, used with permission