Delight in Firm Steps

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. – (Psalm 37:23, NIV)

The Lord shows us how we should live, and He is pleased when He sees people living that way. – (Psalm 37:23, ERV)

A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord when they delight in His way. – (Psalm 37:23, CEB)

 

How we should live and what steps we should take can become a bit blurred. I know that we are called to love God and love people, yet there are times that loving both can be at the expense of loving others whom we are called to love as well. It is a tricky road to navigate, and I am doing the best I can to love as I am loved, wherever I am. All it takes is a glance outdoors to delight in the Lord, as I look upon all that He has created. The very same God who created such beauty with intention, created each of us with a plan and a purpose. Though there are times and seasons that it all seems awry, I know that He who hung the stars in the sky, also will orchestrate the steps of our roads that seems impossible to navigate. Today I must choose anew, to delight in Him and trust that He will make our steps secure.

As for mom, yesterday was our transition day. I arrived back in Wenatchee a bit after one, and Megan began her long drive home, shortly after. It was a blessing to actually see each other, if only for a few minutes, prior to her departure. Mom had already had a busy morning with physical therapy and constant movement as Meg needed to prepare to head home. After I had the opportunity to grab a bite of lunch and settle in, mom was ready for an adventure, so we hopped in the car to wander. We drove east a while exploring, made a Dutch Bros stop, and toured some of the beautiful views and neighborhoods on the far east side of Wenatchee. When we returned, we caught up with one another, had dinner, and watched a movie before calling it a day. Mom had a five-and-a-half-hour consecutive stretch of sleep last night, followed by a few more hours, and we did not get up to eat breakfast until six-thirty. Thank you again, to those of you who are praying for mom’s sleep, as prayer is indeed powerful! Today, mom has speech therapy and a visit with a dear friend on the calendar, so it should be another great day. May we each delight in the Lord and His goodness, trusting that He will indeed make our steps secure.

 

Delight in the Lord,

For He’s always good;

Despite what we see,

Or think that we should.

He shows us the way,

That we’re meant to go;

Each step we’re to take,

In love, He makes known.

Faithful forever,

In Him, we can trust;

Delight in His love,

He’s gracious and just.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You give us countless reasons to delight in You. Thank You that as we do, You show us the way that we are meant to go. Thank You that You never leave us nor forsake us, even when we are unaware of what You are doing on our behalf. Forgive us for our frustration in the wait, as Your timing is not the same as ours. Teach us to trust You, for Your ways and Your plans are far greater than ours. Show us how to love those around us in a way that brings comfort and strength and goodness. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we delight in You and trust You for every step we are meant to take. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

The Wisdom We Seek

Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So He will give you wisdom. – (James 1:5, ERV)

But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask. – (James 1:5, CEB)

If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking. – (James 1:5, VOICE)

 

I am so grateful that God does not grow weary of us asking for answers when we are uncertain, as life requires much wisdom to navigate well. There are so many areas of new that come along in our daily lives, that without Him, we would be walking in the dark. However, when God is with us, His Spirit leads and guides us, as we so often know which way we are meant to go, as our hearts and minds know that which aligns with His good and perfect will. May we ever seek the Lord for wisdom and direction where we need His navigation, and trust His heart within us when we already know the way that He is calling us to go.

 

We all need wisdom, 

To live this life well;

And as we choose ask,

His way, God shall tell.

He does not withhold,

The wisdom we seek;

But gives lavishly,

He’s faithful to speak.

He speaks to our hearts,

And to us makes known;

The answers we need,

As His love is shown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to answer as we ask for wisdom. Thank You that You do not withhold nor keep score, but rather You lavishly give as we ask. Forgive us for not seeking You in spaces where we need Your wisdom the most, and teach us to trust You more so that we would turn to You for the wisdom to navigate according to Your good and perfect will. Show us how to love those around us in a way that is wise and encourages each person we encounter. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for wisdom in all things, as You are the answer we need to navigate our days in strength and love. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16