A Redirection That Saves

As my son and I walked along the trail during our morning walk, he began walking over to the side of the trail closest to the road where there was bypassing traffic.

With my arm, I would gently sway him back over to the opposite side of the trail that was further from the road.

This happened 2 to 3 more times, leading him to become a bit upset.

I stopped and turned to him to explain what he was doing, why I did what I did and the importance of his safety.

He cried some and then our walk was resumed in silence.

I assume things began to make sense to him because he stopped crying, wiped his tears, and asked if he could hold my hand.

As I grabbed his hand, I expressed how much I loved him.

This reminded me of Psalms 23 when David speaks about God’s “rod and staff.”

Many times in life, if we’re not paying close attention, we can slowly but surely change direction from the path that God has created for us to walk along.

This path that I speak of could lead us to great hurt, harm, and danger that we would probably never foresee.

What a beautiful moment to take the opportunity to thank our Heavenly Father for His perfect protection and guidance. He sees and knows what is at the end of every good AND evil path.

Because of His great and endless love, He gently uses His rod and staff to redirect us away from the broad path that leads to death and destruction and onto the narrow path that leads to safety and eternal life.

We may“feel“ or “think” that certain paths are harmless. But Father God knows.

His wisdom is the difference maker.

Many times, his redirection may hurt our feelings – and even cause us to cry or become disappointed.

As we read His Word and become more knowledgeable about Him, His love, and His ways, we will then understand that He response from a place of love and concern for His children. He never would want His children to get in the way of anything that could lead them to hurt, harm, or danger.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.“

Psalms 23