One Step at a Time

By: Joanne Viola

Just a few days ago, we ushered in a new year and a new decade. A fresh expanse of time spread out before us.

Many wrote down goals, resolutions, or their "One Word". Out came brand new planners and calendars with boxes yet unfilled, waiting for activities to be written in place.

And we wonder ... What will this time hold for us?

"The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. 

I will advise you and watch over you."
(Psalm 32:8, NLT)

The Lord is promising to do three things for us: 

1. "I will guide you."  This carries the connotation of teaching or instructing us. We are not to think we already know what to do or where to go. We are to rely on God to provide insight and lead the way. As we pay attention and lean into His Word, our hearts and minds will be align with His will.
2. "I will advise you." God desires to counsel us and our hearts need to be inclined to accepting the advice He brings. This requires the participation of both parties. As we heed His advice, His purposes are fulfilled in our lives.
3. I will "watch over you." God keeps His eye on His own and is demonstration of His deep and tender concern for His people.

We cannot see the entire year, or decade, spread before us and move forward in full knowledge of what lies ahead. There is only One who knows the beginning from the end, and all which is in between.

"The path does not arise or clarify because we run faster, think harder, or work more efficiently. The path arises and clarifies one grace-filled, love-filled, faith-filled step at a time. This is how we will make the entire journey."
(Leeana Tankersley, Always We Begin Again)

As we enter into this new year, and decade,
may we remember God's promise to guide, advise, and watch over us.
And may we be faithful to obey and follow Him.

One step at a time.

Photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash