I have been reading the book of Deuteronomy this morning. Moses has delivered the children of Israel to the edge of the land God promised them, after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses could not enter the land with them, so he was reiterating the law of God, warning them to be obedient. Their future life in the Promised Land would depend on it. If they were obedient to God’s law, He would bless them richly. If they strayed from God’s plan, they would incur punishment and curse.
If Moses himself stood before me in my youth, urging me to follow God closely each day, I believe I might still go the way of Israel and mess things up. I have wandered in my own wilderness for 40 years, sometimes just as lost and rebellious as Israel, sometimes seeking to do God’s will. But seeking it is not enough, I must walk it. My “Promised Land” is heaven but I want my earthly steps to be blessed and a blessing, as well.
I have had it with the wilderness, I prefer my park. There I attune the cadence and direction of my feet to His. He lets me practice along the snowy pond and wooded path, heavily bound with roots. I find my balance and walk the rest of my day a little steadier. Each and every step makes a difference.
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-22
Meeting God at the Park 