Trajectory is the path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces. Other similar words are course, route, and approach.

If you’ve read The Wind In The Willows, you know it is a delightful novel about some woodland animals and their adventures. The author describes Mole, one of the characters, as he powers through the woods toward home.

“As he hurried along, eagerly anticipating the moment when he would be at home again among the things he knew and liked, the Mole saw clearly that he was an animal of tilled field and hedgerow, linked to the ploughed furrow, the frequented pasture, the lane of evening lingering, the cultivated garden-plot. For others the asperities, the stubborn endurance, or the clash of actual conflict, that went with Nature in the rough; he must be wise, must keep to the pleasant places in which his lines were laid and which held adventure enough, in their way, to last for a lifetime.”

Mole’s defined destination gave him a trajectory that led to comfort and rest. Mole’s was eager to return to his safe, familiar home. He seeks comfort from the harsh realities in his pleasant place. He wasn’t escaping. He was realistic. The harsh winds of life blew his way, but he was determined to face them in his safe and satisfying environment.

Mole intentionally makes his pleasant place warm, comforting, and a contrast to the world. I imagine that Mole knew every nook and cranny of his home. Snacks were in the pantry, and as he walked, he visualized the chair and ottoman nestled in a corner; a blanket draped haphazardly nearby if he desired it. Maybe he would check on his garden and bring in a handful of vegetables for supper, or a few flowers for a vase on the corner table.

As I read about Mole, I thought about the comfort and rest I find in Jesus. I cling to Him every day. I depend on Him like Mole depended on the comfort in his physical home. He knew once there that he’d be in the best place. When I fret, it skews my perspective and makes the scenario edgy and tense; the pleasant place seems obscure. Yet the Lord gives me the dignity of choice, and I can practice choosing the pleasant place with Him when fretting visits. Practice will increase my longing to choose His rest and comfort habitually.

Ultimately, our heavenly Home is always in the backdrop, but for now, because of His Spirit, we can abide so closely with Jesus that He can be our home.

• Now, we have God’s presence in our lives.
• Now, He is our pleasant place from the dark world.
• Now, He provides comfort.

In Psalm 16:5-6, David declares his dependence and delight-

⁵ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
You make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

In the featured verses, David describes a beautiful, spiritual place. We, too, are safe and secure in our salvation. When we choose the pleasant place (the boundary lines inside God’s will), we live in peace, delight, safety, and comfort in the One who shares His counsel and plans with us.

Walking with Jesus down life’s path is a delightful, pleasant place, even in suffering. It’s because of who He is. He is so dear and so close. He is everything you would want if your pleasant place were an earthly dwelling. He is with you.

Whether you collect your vegetables, clip flowers, leave the familiar, walk along the way, endure illness, or are alone, you are comfortable even when quiet. Many people are uncomfortable with quiet. But a Christian who desires to do God’s will can learn new ways, and your path can find you like Mole walking alone, peacefully, quietly toward the most pleasant place on earth, the light of His presence.

In previous verses, David warns of the danger of idols—the idols of distractions and choices that capture our attention and wind quietly, yet firmly, around our hearts. Those captivated by idols will suffer. David knew his safety was in God and took refuge in Him. His pleasant place was the Lord. All that he knew then, we can know now, too.

Are you as intentional as Mole in setting your boundary lines in the pleasant place? Are you in God’s will and plan for your life? Are you choosing quiet even though your list is unfinished? Is your physical residence a place of rest? What can you do today to bring more peace and enjoy God’s presence?

Your pleasant place is where God builds your character and makes you able and strong for His plans. It is where God places you, whether your dream home or a hole in the wall. Wherever God has you, make it the pleasant place for you and Him to dwell.

“But let everyone who trusts you be happy. Let them sing glad songs forever. Protect those who love you. They are happy because of you.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭ICB‬‬ (International Children’s Bible)

©️Valerie Rumfelt