Scripture:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf.” Deuteronomy 1:30
“Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.” Psalm 25:4
Reflection:
While reading the Bible this week, one phrase jumped out at me. “It is the Lord who goes before you.” This phrase is found at least half a dozen times in various places in scripture. After reading them in context, I decided to let them ruminate in my heart for a couple of days in order to see how the Lord worked them into my heart. Meditating on scripture is always a good practice. Here are some of my thoughts as to the implications of this statement.
“The Lord goes before you” reminds me of a parent that goes before their children. If you have ever been on a hike with your children, you know it is instinctual for your eyes to scan the path so that no harm befalls your children. You will point out every root or spot where they might trip just to make them fully aware of the dangers along the path. Not that my daughters always heeded my advice. I remember more than once having to pick them up, whimpering from a fall, even after my admonitions to watch out…and yes, I did with a little consternation ask them why they didn’t listen to me! I’m thankful that Lord doesn’t do this to us!
How many times has the Lord warned us where we might trip up in life? And how many times have we ignored his admonition even with the prior warning? Thankfully, no matter what our path currently looks like, God’s word declares that God is more than one step ahead of us. The Lord is always going before us. No matter what mountain we come up against, He is already climbing it. No matter what journey of uncertainty we encounter, God is already down the road. He’s laying out our path and preparing our steps. He’s flattening the rough places and preparing our journey.
Isaiah 46:10 says; “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand,”
Isaiah 40: 4,5 says; “Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
God is always a step ahead, even when life makes us feel we’ve been left behind. He does go before us and shouts out guidance, we just need to listen for his voice. He does lead us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake!
We can be trailblazers…but never without the help of the Spirit. You are not alone on the journey of life; let your life be led by Him. “It is the Lord who goes before you.”
David
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