Sure steps

1 Samuel 2:9a tells us that "He will guard the steps of His saints". What does that mean for us?

About a milllion things, I think. Here are a few:

1. Literally. I am convinced of the presence of angels that guide our steps, often protecting us from physical harm. Preventing many casualties. Perhaps when we get to Heaven, God will pop in a DVD of our lives and allow us to view what was going on behind the scenes. Maybe we will be able to see what is unseen now, the activity of angels in our lives. (When I get there, my guardian angel will surely heave a sigh of relief that this particular tour of duty is over!)
2. Symbolically. I believe He often intervenes to keep us from heading in harmful directions. What we might initially see as a disappointment oftentimes in hindsight turns out to be His protection from a place or a relationship that would have spelled sure disaster.
3. Directionally. He guards our steps by guiding them. Providing wisdom about which path to choose, which direction to take. If we ask...
4. Protectively. Sometimes we stumble in our walk. Simply put, we just mess up and figuratively fall on our faces. He is the one who wants to pick us up, dust us off, and show us how to fix the mess. To try again. To avoid the same mistake later.
5. Provisionally. Psalm 37:23 further explains that "the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord". We can trust that, for those of us who are in Christ, He is in loving sovereign control of our lives. That is great comfort and assurance!!!

What's our part? If this is what God is doing on our behalf, what do we do?
Maybe a million things. But here is a more manageable list:
1. Ephesians 4:1 tells us to "walk in a manner worthy of your calling". Paul's instruction to so walk includes " all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." There's 6 or so things right there.
2. Ask for His help. Many times, He blesses us without our even asking. (As in, causing the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust). But there are blessings we forfeit, help we don't receive, guidance we never get just because we fail to ask. Not because He doesn't want to give it. But often He is waiting for us to recognize our need for Him before He gives His help.
3. Walk right. Yes, God often intervenes to protect us and to guide us but He also commands us to avoid evil. In fact, He goes so far as to tells us to "Avoid all appearance of evil" in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. Don't step into places you are not supposed to be.
4. Trust Him. Trust that He is good and worthy of your desire to please Him. Trust that, because He is good, not because we merit His favor, He is guiding and guarding your steps for your good. Colossians 1:10 says to "Walk worthy of the Lord, to please him." And in Hebrews 11:6 we are instructed that "Without faith it is impossible to please him." So the command to walk "worthy of the Lord" is a walk of faith.

Next time you go for a walk, remember that He is guarding your steps. On that walk. In your life. And thank Him. Always remember to thank Him.