Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:19 “Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen.”

When walking on the beach, I prefer making my own footprints rather than following the prints of someone else.  They may be too far apart or too close, or perhaps going a direction I don’t want to take.  One set of footprints brings to mind that well-known poem where two sets of footprints change to just one as the Lord carries us through the hard times.  That set of footprints is evidence of someone’s presence and a reassurance that we are not alone.

Today’s verse refers to a time when the Lord’s footprints were not seen.  The Israelites were led through the Red Sea.  God’s mighty power brought them out of bondage but there were no footprints to follow.  There was no precedent.  It had not been done before.  Those mighty waters blocked their way, but they obeyed God’s command to enter them.

There may not be footprints to follow as I walk by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7).  There are times the Lord asks me to step out without seeing the next step so clearly.  He always reassures me of His presence but I sometimes wonder if I am on the right path.  Does He really want me to go through those waters?  Isn’t there an easier way?

I doubt God is really leading me when I see the path strewn with obstacles.  Something in me expects the path to be smooth, straight and relatively easy.  But He does lead me through deep waters.  He does it to show me His incredible power.  He does it to increase my faith.  And He does it so that I will depend on Him.

Lord, lead me today, even without footprints.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Now this is the way to ride a bike!  As much as I enjoy bicycling, I am not too thrilled about the soreness or leg cramps that often follow my rare excursions.  How much nicer to share the pedaling!  The rider in front is called the captain, the steerman or the pilot.  As the stronger and more experienced rider, he is responsible for steering, braking, shifting, changing gears and keeping the bike balanced.  The one in back is called the stoker and only helps with pedaling while listening and following directions.

Today’s verse is an invitation from Christ to come to Him for rest.  Work does not stop but there is help.  Being yoked with Him makes the burden of work lighter and easier to handle.  He is gentle and humble and does not force Himself.  But when I allow Him be the “steerman” than the load is shared and the result is rest for the soul.  Being connected to Christ makes all the difference.

It takes a conscious effort on my part to come to Him and yield to Him the control.  It is only when I come to the end of my own strength that I am open to the idea.  To relinquish the controls is not always easy.  I have my own ideas about how fast or slow I should be pedaling and what direction to take.  But His plan is always the better one.  There is relief when I allow Him to take charge.  There is a lightness of heart when I can look around me and enjoy the journey.  There is rest.

Lord, make my burden lighter today by giving me rest for my soul.