The Weekly Word: The Lord directs our footsteps

By Rev. Daniel Larson, Cross Lutheran Church

In Proverbs 16:6 it states, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his footsteps.”

In other words, we can go ahead and make our plans, but it is God who determines what direction our footsteps take.

These past few months have been a very trying time for our nation and the world. Many of us are worried about our own health and the health of loved-ones, our jobs and the future.

Because of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of this world in which we live, it may be hard for us to hear and accept that “God is in control” or that “the Lord directs our footsteps.” But it is true.

God will sometimes use difficult circumstances like these to draw people to Himself. He does this so that they will learn to trust Him more and to prepare them for heaven.

Jesus says to us, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?

“Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them … So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ … or ‘What will we wear?’ … Certainly your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:25-32).

God’s higher purpose for us is to call us to faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, so that we may enjoy the fruits of that faith here in this world and in heaven.

God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son into this world (John 3:16).

Christ came in order to live a perfect life to God in your place, and to die our death upon the cross as payment for all our sins and worries.

After His death on the cross, Jesus was placed in a grave, only to rise again from the dead on the third day. His resurrection assures us that everything God promises us in the Bible is true and reliable.

Faith in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is the only way to heaven, as Jesus told us, saying, “I am the Way and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Let that one truth settle your mind and heart during this trying time and throughout your life!