A Day-by-day devotional

March 10, 2023

Bushwhacked

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Numbers 34-36

Scripture of the Day: Deuteronomy 5:33

Sometimes we’re walking along just fine. We are carefree as a bird, soaring high in the sky. Then, all of a sudden – bam! Something hit hard. And it was rather painful.

In moments of joy, and when things work out well, the tendency for us is to forget to be grateful. When we are drenched in happiness that we are currently experiencing, whether we admit it or not, our time with the Lord also declines. Our prayers become single-sentenced. While there is nothing wrong with short but profound prayers, when we talk longer to God, the more we become aware of His presence. It is in spending quality time with Him that we get to know His heart.

Unfortunately, we often only fall on our knees and spend tons of time in prayer whenever we are in dire need. Hanging on a cliff, that’s where we turn to God. Surely, the Lord is able to save us in such situations. However, sometimes, those moments could have been avoided if, when we were not in that place yet, we were already conversing with our God.

Have you ever realized what the phrase “walking with Jesus” means? It means, when Jesus walks, you walk. When He turns left, you turn left. When He goes right, you do the same. When He stops, you stop. You don’t stop when He walks, don’t turn when He goes straight ahead. You walk with Him – side-by-side.

If in your happy moments, you do this, rest assured, there will be fewer of the cliffhangers. Because you go, where He goes. The Lord would never lead you to a cliff where you could fall. But He allows you to walk that path if you decide to. When you do, He still reaches out to you to save you. Remember though: He is God. You’re not. You follow Him. It’s not the other way around.

Reflection: Are you a sorrowful moment only follower? Or do you not forget to spend time with the Lord also during joyful times?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me truly walk with you in all seasons of my life – whether it’s winter or springtime, summer or fall, enable me to go where you lead me. Amen.