How can we prepare a "way for His steps" in our lives? Setting the Scene “Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.” (Psalm 85:13) The psalmist pictures the LORD advancing, with righteousness functioning like a path-builder. Our privilege is to make sure that same “way” is open in our hearts, homes, and routines so His presence can move unhindered. Seeing God’s Righteous Advance • God never tiptoes; He strides forward in righteousness (Psalm 89:14). • When righteousness “goes before Him,” it is not abstract virtue—it is the clear, holy standard revealed in His Word (Psalm 119:142). • Preparing the way, therefore, means bringing our lives into happy submission to that standard so His footsteps find welcome ground (James 1:22). Clearing the Path: Personal Holiness Like removing debris before a procession, we remove whatever competes with His righteousness: 1. Repentance that is specific, not vague (1 John 1:9). 2. Forgiving others so bitterness cannot clog the road (Ephesians 4:31-32). 3. Confessing Christ openly, rejecting hidden compromise (Matthew 10:32-33). 4. Cultivating purity of mind—what we watch, read, and click (Philippians 4:8). 5. Practicing gratitude, which sweeps away the litter of complaint (Psalm 100:4). Walking in Alignment: Daily Practices • Scripture Intake—God’s Word is the plumb line that keeps the path straight (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Prayerful Dependence—inviting His guidance at each crossroad (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Worship—personal and gathered, setting the tone for His reign (Psalm 22:3). • Obedient Action—faith becomes pavement only when acted upon (James 2:17). • Regular Rest—Sabbath principles level the ground by reminding us He leads, we follow (Mark 2:27). Guardrails on the Road: Community and Accountability • Fellowship with believers sharpens and steadies us (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Mutual exhortation keeps small cracks from widening (Galatians 6:1-2). • Spiritual leadership—pastors, elders, mentors—helps survey the path from a higher vantage point (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Serving others shifts focus from self-interest to God’s kingdom momentum (1 Peter 4:10). The Fruit of a Prepared Way • Increased awareness of His presence—He finds welcome ground within us (John 14:23). • Greater boldness in witness—clear paths invite confident steps (Acts 4:31). • Unified community—shared obedience smooths rough relational terrain (Colossians 3:14-15). • Abundant good works that God “prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). • Joyful anticipation—every act of preparation today rehearses for the day He returns in glory (Revelation 22:12). May every choice we make smooth the road, every attitude lay fresh gravel, and every act of obedience become a bright marker that joyfully declares, “This way, Lord—Your steps are welcome here.” |
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