I opened my January calendar page to read, “I will go before you” (Isaiah 45:2 NIV). How comforting to know that whatever I face this year, God promises to go before me. He will be there first to prepare the way every day of the year, because “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). I love this picture of Jesus because shepherds lead their sheep. They don’t walk behind them to drive or herd their flocks. Sheep are led.
If we belong to Jesus’ flock and He’s our Good Shepherd, where will He lead us? Psalm 23:2–3 (KJV) explains: “Beside the still waters . . . and in paths of righteousness.” Isn’t that reassuring? We can trust our Shepherd to lead us to refreshing waters and along protected paths free from spiritual dangers. One friend put it this way: “When I don’t know what to do or how to get through a situation, I ask God to go before me and make the way straight. This makes me feel I’m not alone, and He has already figured out a solution.”
As another year with new opportunities begins, we don’t know what will fill our calendar pages. Nonetheless, we can be confident and courageous about the future because we know God goes before us. As we follow Him, our paths may not be easy, but they will be safe, because we walk on prepared paths of righteousness.
Lord God, You are the Good Shepherd Who leads us. Help us stay close to You and not stray from Your paths. Thank You for going before us. Guide us to fill each day with Your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
January: Begin @ full strength in Christ
Anchoring Deep in God’s Word Schedule today, 01/15/14: Genesis 31-32 and Job 22.
Join hosts Page and Cindy on Facebook where we are discussing today’s reading. Everyone is invited to join by clicking the ‘Join Group’ button. We have 700+ women reading the Bible through in 2014! Join us and invite your friends too! We are using the Ownit35 whole Bible plan. Download the free app or print out the reading schedule to use with your Bible.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
