“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

Staying In Step

 Yesterday, while on a walk with my husband, I was having trouble staying in step. We had walked this route many times before, and I’ve also walked it many times by myself. I know the cracks and changes in the sidewalk to avoid, when is the best time to cross the street, how to avoid the oncoming cars and other obstacles along the way. But he was getting aggravated, because I wasn’t paying attention to his lead. It wasn’t intentional, I wanted to stay in step with him, but I was in “auto” mode, walking the known path.

I started thinking about my walk with the LORD. My desire is always to stay in step with Him. But how many times am I not truly paying attention to His lead, being in “auto” mode?

Continuing on our walk, I found when I focused on where my husband was going, ignoring my “known” path, it was much easier to stay in step. I thought, “Lord, I need to pay attention to Your ‘change-ups’ and not my preconceived agenda.” I desire to be completely open, submitting to the Holy Spirit in all things, but I often miss the turn or the beauty He wanted to show me because I’m in auto mode, not really paying attention or listening, taking the easy way.

To submit means to yield to authority, or surrender, retire, or withdraw (my desire). This is a command from the Lord, not just a suggestion. It’s for our best in every area of life. The Lord has in mind our safety, provision, enjoyment, and influence on others. Born into sin and rebellion, we are not naturally wired to submit. Of course, some of us are better at it than others, but it is definitely a learned and practiced trait. Just when I think I’m submitting, my pride has taken over and I’m way off course.

Yet in confessing this flaw, the LORD meets me again and brings me back to the right path. Being honest and humble helps tremendously. “Humble yourself in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). It’s all Him—all for His glory and His purpose. He has every situation in complete control. I may think I have a better way, but even if the road is steep, painful and hard, His glory is at stake—not my comfort, satisfaction or pleasures.

Going along the way, there is great delight and joy. My heart is full because He shows me so many wonders I would have never experienced if left on my own. “Delight yourselves in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring forth your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:4-6).

“Dear Lord, may we have open and ready hearts, paying attention to Your lead and not living in auto mode. May our steps be completely submitted to Your best path.”