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:
There is one phrase in scripture that is repeated at least a dozen times that I find most comforting. “It is the Lord who goes before you.” I took some time to read them all in context and then just spent some days contemplating in order to see how the Lord might work them into my heart and life. Meditating on scripture is always a good practice and something I know I need to do more of as I reflect upon the goodness of God. As I began to consider how the Lord goes before us, some memories guided my thoughts.
“The Lord goes before you” reminded me of how a parent goes before their children watching over them. If you have ever been on a hike with your kids, you know how instinctual it is for you to scan the path you are on to watch out so that no harm befalls your children. You point out every root or loose spot where they might trip or slide just to make them fully aware of the dangers along the path. Not that my daughters would always heed my advice. I can remember more than once having to pick them up and brush them off as they whimpered from a fall, even after my admonitions to watch out.
As I reflected on my years following Jesus, I was reminded how many times the Lord has warned me where I might be tripped up in life. I was also reminded how many times have I ignored His promptings, even with that prior warning.
Thankfully, no matter what your path currently looks like, God’s word declares that the Lord goes before us. No matter what mountain you may be facing, He knows the best way to climb it. No matter what path of uncertainty you encounter, God knows where the road leads. He is laying out our path and He prepares our steps. He flattens the rough places and He prepares the resources we need for 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.”
Our God is always a step ahead, even when we might feel we’ve been left behind. He goes before us and, just like a dad on a hike, shouts out where we need to be extra careful. All we need to do is just listen for His voice. He leads us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake!
You are not alone on the journey of life; “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.”
David
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