Guiding Every Step

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24

Do y’all ever get stuck in the “paralysis of analysis”?  Lately, I have been questioning & overthinking everything, plagued with the worry that I am “out of God’s will” or that I’ve somehow missed what He has for me. Should I be working in this job? Is this the church we should be going to? What if God didn’t want me to join this gym? Should we even be living in this town??

(Maybe this sounds silly, but these are very real thoughts I’ve been agonizing over lately, & I felt compelled to share in hopes of encouraging someone who might be in the same boat!)

After much prayer and asking God to show me the wrong beliefs that are behind these thoughts, I really felt an answer from Him through our busy little toddler. Our one-year-old Lily has just started walking around everywhere, and she is loving her newfound independence.

The other day I was letting her walk around our yard, exploring as she pleased. In areas of thicker grass and uneven ground I would hold her hand, so she didn’t fall so hard when she lost her footing. I let her roam, but I would generally guide her, correcting her if she was starting to wander into the neighbor’s yard or going towards the street. When my subtle guiding didn’t work, and she was going too close to something dangerous (our creek, a pile of ants, the road), I would pick her up & completely change her location. It was fun to let her explore, but if it was needed, of course, I would intervene.

God is not some angry or distant being, waiting for us to mess up or miss His plan. I believe God delights in us as His beloved children & He enjoys letting us waddle around. Yes, He has plans for us, but rest assured, when we walk hand in hand with our loving Father, He is with us every step of the way, watching, guiding & directing us in the path that He knows is best.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:2

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)