Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Feb 9th, 2021 How Will You Walk? … by Claudia Vara

Today’s Passage – Leviticus 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – John 11 – 12; Proverbs 9; Psalms 46 – 50)

Read the “0209 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “There Is a Fountain,” “Abomination,” and “The Blood”

“Rejoice in the LORD always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

Have you ever taken a walk only to realize that you’ve spent the whole time staring at the ground underneath your feet? Often, I catch myself doing this exact thing. I seem to always have my eyes focused down instead of in front or above me! Why do we do this?

We stare at the ground, focusing on all the ruts and holes and rocks and roots instead of the trees and sky and clouds above. We focus on all the things that might cause problems, that might hurt us, and that are negative parts of our walk, when all around us there is so much beauty and joy and positivity to see–if only we would just look up and see it!

The whole purpose of my walk is not to stare down at the ground, but to enjoy the beauty and nature around me. I miss my purpose when all I focus on are my ruts and rocks and holes and roots. I miss the joy of the moment when all I see is the difficulties. I miss the opportunity to look up.

Of course, we must keep in mind the rock and ruts to some extent lest we trip, but are you loving with your eyes glued to the ground? Entrust God with your ruts and rocks; He can take care of you. Even though your path may have its difficulties, you can still rejoice in your surroundings by placing your reliance on God. ​

“For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name” (Psalm 33:21).

Life is difficult–there is no way to get around it–but we can choose joy even in the most trying of circumstances. Goldy joy isn’t based on our circumstances; it’s based on our Savior. Even in the most challenging times there are so many blessings all around us to see. However, you must choose to see them, for a joyful spirit is never an accident–it is intentional. Take some time today just to thank God and dwell in the simple things that He blesses us with daily.

God both commands and enables us to be joyful. In His Presence is perfect contentment and satisfaction.

“​Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11).

Each time I go for a walk, I have the opportunity to either focus up or down. I can choose the negative or the positive. There will always be ruts and rocks and holes and roots, but there will also always be trees and sky and clouds and beauty. We have to decide what we will choose to focus on. It’s a choice you must actively make, because naturally we look down. Decide to look up to your Father instead of down at your problems. How will you walk today? Don’t miss the real purpose of your journey!

​“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24).

“My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” (Psalm 71:23).

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phillippians 4:8).