Rocco is my oldest dog. For the past twelve years he has been my shadow. He loves walks. Taking Rocco for a walk is not easy; it's not a leisurely stroll. He darts at squirrels, other dogs, rabbits, pretty much anything that moves. He is very strong, consequently I have developed my "defensive walk." I try to mentally and physically stay one step ahead of him and any action he may take. I don't want anything to happen to him or me. I'm really the "watch dog," just don't let Rocco know that. As Christians our walk with God is just that "our walk," but, we are never alone. God is always there with us. He protects us, defends us, loves us, and talks with us along the way.
Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Dismayed is the Hebrew word "chathath." It means to break down by violence, confusion, or fear, to be shattered, broken, or afraid. God walks with us to protect us and keep us from harm. We should be so humbled and awed by God's love for us.
NIVPsalm 139:1-6 1You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2You know when I sit down and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
God has you covered. As you walk through this life God knows the steps you are going to take before you do. He is with you always…. when you fall or are sick, confused, sad, or discouraged. He clears the path for you, defeats your enemies, and calms your fears. He is with you when you are happy. He celebrates with you. He enjoys your joy. He is as close as our very breath continually.
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed (shattered): for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (yalak – Hebrew for walk).
As we walk, God is with us. He is always at our side, but, remember it is our walk. We choose how fast or slow. Are we going uphill or downhill? Will it be leisurely, stopping to smell the roses or hectic, not even paying attention to the beauty that surrounds us. Do we walk in silence or talk to our walking partner along the way?
Randy Travis is a country singer. I fell in love with his deep raspy voice, singing heartfelt country tunes and gospel music. His life was complicated by alcohol. In 2013 he had a massive stroke, was on life support, and wasn't supposed to pull through. He did but lost that beautiful voice. Thankfully his songs are recorded. I listen to them over and over again and many of them bring me to tears every time I hear them. This is part of one of his songs:
"So many times I question the certain circumstances and things I could not understand. Many times in trials my weakness blurs my vision and that's when my frustration gets so out of hand. It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken; I've never had to stand one test alone. As I look at all my victories, the spirit rises up in me, and it's through the fire my weakness is made strong."
You never have to stand ONE test alone. God is always there. Remember all the victories God has already brought you through. Did God change? God never told us that our hills wouldn't be hard to climb or that we would be victorious without a battle. God, our Father, He is our Commander in Chief and He is fighting every battle with us.
Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hind's feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
The "hind" is a female deer that can place her back feet exactly were her front feet have stepped. She is sure footed, agile, able to climb impossible mountain terrains that others cannot. Her balance is unmatched. Sometimes in life's situations we feel like we are out in the wilderness alone facing a dangerous path. God reminds us here that He has equipped us like the hind. As we walk with God we are surefooted, able to surmount our obstacles. Trust in God's unwavering love and deliverance. He gives us the confidence and agility to rise above our high places. God is our ever present strength and He equips us with all we need to scale our mountains.
I recently watched a very old Hallmark movie that truly blessed me. We all know that if it's a Hallmark movie it has to be a love story. This was and it took place in the old western days.
Clark believed in God while the woman, Marty was confused about God and questioned God's love. Both of them had lost their spouses and encountered many other hardships. Marty questioned how Clark could continue to pray to a God who had caused such tragedy in their lives. Clark's answer follows: "Missy (his 9 year old daughter) could fall down and get hurt even if I am walking right beside her. That doesn't mean that I allowed it to happen. She knows my unconditional love, I'll pick her up. I'll carry her and try to heal her. I'll cry when she cries and rejoice when she is well. In all the moments of my life God has been right there beside me. The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen, it's His promise that He'll be there when they do."
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.
Great is God's faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies we see. All that we need God's hand has provided. There is no shadow of turning with God. He will not fail, as He has been, He forever will be.
I am going to bring you back to Clark. Marty had left Clark and he was brokenhearted, he knelt down and prayed this prayer.
"I don’t know why you brought Marty into my life only to have her leave like this. I know I don't always understand your plan, but I ask you with a shattered heart, please help me to accept it."
Wow! Clark wanted things to be different. He went to God with a humble prayer and asked for help in accepting God's plan. Sometimes the answer to our prayers may not be the answer we want. God is still faithful, still listening and still walking with you. Don't ever doubt that. God's plans for us are always better than ours.
Proverbs 3:5-6 5Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path
God is constant. His faithfulness is constant. He is always with us. Trust Him. Don't let doubt worry or fear in. Don't dismay; with a humble heart let God direct your paths. Be thankful for God's faithfulness. Enjoy your walk with God, take time to smell the roses knowing that in all the moments of your life God is right there beside you.