The One Who Goes First

 

Daily Gratitude Year 9- Day 330: Today, I am grateful for the one who goes ahead of us.

When things are fun and good, everyone wants to get to the front of the line. Many want to be first. First to see a movie, try a new restaurant or read a new book. That feeling of being cutting edge on a trend can be satisfying... for about a minute. These kinds of pleasures never satisfy. They are selfish pleasures.

When things are uncertain or scary, few rush to go first. Waiting and watching with caution seems like a good idea. If someone else goes first and all goes well with them, we feel our odds are better.

This scripture speaks to fear:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:8

Such promise is held in this verse. What piece of it do you cling to first? He will personally go ahead of us. He will be with us. He will never fail or abandon His children.

We can do hard things. We can persevere. We can pause and be still in the shelter of His wings. We do not need to be discouraged or dismayed.

2021 has been full of challenges. Still, he goes with us and before us. He makes a way for us... every time.

Today, I am grateful for the one who goes ahead of us.