Sources of Help

It takes my son 10 seconds to walk out of our front door. There is a two-inch step down that separates him from the porch, and he is usually apprehensive of that step. Most days he holds out his hand to me and calls for me to hold his hand. Then it only takes two seconds. Other days he sees me close by and he will crawl on his hands and knees down the step. That is when it takes him a little longer.

My point is each day he goes through the door is a learning experience. Some days he falls out the door and learns that he needs to take his time. Other days he learns that he can do it on his own. Sometimes he learns that he needs a helping hand.

Our relationship with God is very similar to this. Some days we think we have it all figured out and we take off in a dead run, just to trip over our own plans. Other days we know we need Him and we call out to him for help. Sometimes we know he is near and we make the slow and steady choices that he would be pleasing to him.

God had given us the gift of free will. He lets us make our own choices and we must deal with the consequences – good and bad. While this may seem cruel, it really is freeing. I watch my son every time he takes a step out the door. I let him make his decision of how to make it out, ready to help, comfort or congratulate him as the situation requires. It brings me joy to see him want me there, and I know it brings him comfort and happiness to know that I am always there no matter what decision he makes.

Psalm 48:14 says, “for this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” What I like to focus on is that He will be our guide. All we have to do is follow the path that he sets forth. He will always be there showing us the way and watching our steps. It is our choice to make, but he will be there to help us make it.

Lord, thank you for showing us your path. The perfect path. Lord, we may not always choose the right path that you set, but we want to. Forgive us for straying and keep our pride from coming between our relationship. I want to have a close walk with you, Lord. I take comfort in knowing that you will catch me if I fall down. I smile knowing that you love me enough to let me make my own decisions. I choose you.