He Prepares A Path Before Me

When I was young I had a German Shepherd named King. A retired trained guard dog, he was seven when he came to live with us. One summer down at the farm, I wandered into the thick woods, we called “The Bear Swamp,” behind our field. King was at my side. There were a few favorite places I liked to visit:  the huge beech tree carved with my great-grandfather’s nickname—Hoopie, the four downed trees that marked a clearing where the sun came through, and the ditch that ran from our property, cutting far into the woods. At some point this day, I became disoriented, lost in the dark, shady trees and began to feel panic. Then I remembered who was with me.

I didn’t know if King knew the word “home” but I tried it anyway. Go home, King! The dog sprung into action, turned on a dime and made a beeline home. I ran to keep up, though I knew he wouldn’t leave me there. Since the day we got King, it was clear that he assumed the job of my protector and he never once failed to do just that.

When I am lost, I call to God, my King. My words may be simple.  I do not know how He will respond, but I ask. He responds, always.  He begins to show me the path He has prepared for me. I will watch to see where He leads, I will run behind Him eagerly with assurance, and I will arrive at the place that is pleasing in His sight.

The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8