Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should let God order your steps

Let God Order Your Steps
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.”

–Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV)

As I read this Bible verse (above), I find myself interpreting it this way: If we delight in God’s way, He is going to make sure our steps are established and firm. Even if we take that step of faith and run into a snag or crisis along the way, we will not be cast headlong. What that means is that you will not fall flat on your face and injure yourself while trying to please Him!

When we delight in God’s way, even if we don’t always feel like His way is good, we know that God knows best. Therefore, in spite of our feelings, we push through and lay hold of what He has for us. We delight to know Him, and we long to be involved in what He is doing on the earth.

In the past, I have found myself bogged down in my own plans and routine, not willing to release them in order to allow God to do something new. Have you ever felt that way?

Is God free to do what He wants in our lives? I’ve heard all my life, “God is a gentleman. He won’t force you into anything.” He wants us to respond out of our love for Him and a desire to share in the burdens of His heart. Our refusal won’t change His plan, He will simply find someone else who is willing to partner with Him in attending to those burdens.

When we stay in a safe place, it is easier to feel secure, and we love that feeling of security. God is a loving Father, and He will bless us whether we dip our toes in the water of His goodness, or dive head first in and allow ourselves to be submerged in His exciting will for our lives.

When we step out in faith, it is scary at first. As we walk along, allowing Him to light each step of the way, one day in the future we will look back and say, “Wow God, I see it now! You were ordering my steps all along. You did establish my way. You were preparing me for this journey long ago, even when my path was dark and life didn’t make sense.”

The more we trust, the more we see God’s hand at work.

As a mom of three, this is close to my heart. Psalm 37:25-26 (ESV) goes on to say, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”

What this says to me is that if my husband and I seek to follow God’s plan for our lives, He will take care of our children. We don’t need to fear how our choices might affect them if they are choices led by Him. Hallelujah! That means that we are not stepping over our children to get to God, but rather, walking fully in His will for us. This is going to make us even better parents because our children will see us trusting God no matter what happens in life, and following Jesus Christ. As a result, our children will learn that it is the very best way to live. They will be encouraged to pursue God’s will for their lives.

Let’s lend our lives generously by giving them back to the Lord!

Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, thank You that You have designed me for a special purpose. I realize that each and every one of us needs to grow into the purpose and plan You have for our lives. Please help me to recognize that plan and purpose, to allow You to prepare me for it, and be willing to step out in faith, even if that means leaving some of my own plans and routine behind. I pray that You will show Yourself faithful, as You promise to do, and that You will be glorified in my life as I look back and say, “God knew all along.” May I use my story to encourage others who also wrestle with lending their lives back to You. May we remember our lives are indeed Yours. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure! Her current long-term project is Gott Mit Uns, a German-perspective 20th century historical fiction series.

Aubrey lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. She’s busy keeping the home, caring for her family, doing research for and writing her books.

Aubrey enjoys music and is involved with the worship ministry at her church as well as a German choral group. She also plays gigs occasionally with friends as a singer and acoustic guitarist. After all that, she finds time to sketch, craft, and hike.

She is a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats.

Aubrey has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD.

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/