Read Psalm 91: Dangers on the path ahead

I was walking early in the morning, conscious of the recent coyote sightings in the north end of our neighbouring forest. As we walked along, Ruby ran ahead on the narrow path that leads to the main arteries through the large County Forest Tract.  I was climbing up the last hill when I heard her barking furiously. I couldn’t see her yet, and I moved as fast as I could through the deep snow over the rise. I called her and she came back around the bend, but turned and stood on that path, staring to the west.  Her posture indicated fear or anger; she definitely saw something.  No tail wagging, so I knew it wasn’t another dog or even a person.  A coyote??  I spoke to her in reassuring tones as I got closer.  I was praying for protection at the same time (for both of us).  When I reached her, she was still staring at something to the west of us that I couldn’t see, with a low growl.   I decided to go north just to be on the safe side.  Ruby ran ahead of me, although she and I both turned several times to see if anything was following us. I decided to sing and did so loudly, praising God as I walked along (and thankful no one else was around to hear me!).  No harm came near us.

I sensed there was a spiritual parallel and pondered, ‘how often do I do that?’ I fear the dangers ahead that I can’t see.  One ‘bark’ of warning from any direction and fears rise up.  I want to go back, or stop what I’m doing, or hide.  I imagine all kinds of scenarios and none of them have a good outcome.  I forget to include Jesus in those scenarios.  The future is a minefield, I know this; and Satan takes full advantage of my fear.  Really, it’s lack of trust in God.

And yet over and over He promises to be with me, like Deut 31:8, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you: He will never leave you nor forsake you”; or Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze”.  Notice it says when not if.  There will be times where I will have to “pass through” deep waters, or “walk” through fires in my life.  He promises that I won’t get burned or set ablaze.  Why? “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One, your Saviour” (v3).

As I continue my walk and look around on this glorious morning, I realize what I would have missed if I let fear turn me back.  Not that I’m advocating being careless when real danger is present; but today I knew God was telling me not to fear.  I see the rising sun turning the tops of the pine trees into a glowing bronze.  I hear the birds singing in the dawn, I feel the joy of knowing God surrounds me in His creation.  In life as well, I think of how many exciting times I would have missed what the Lord and I have had together.  You’d think by now I would have learned…but daily I must answer His question, “Do you trust Me”?  Yes Lord, I’m trying to believe; help my unbelief! Amen.