A Path Provided | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus
“You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” — Psalm 18:36
Hiking enthusiasts pay attention to their ankles. Trails often contain uneven ground that can make a hiker’s steps shaky, which is why preparation is really important. Serious hikers stretch their ankles prior to their adventure in addition to wearing the right boots, taping the ankle if necessary and packing first aid supplies just in case an injury happens.
Psalm 18 has something to say about this vulnerable joint in our bodies. The psalm is a song of celebration written by the widely known and loved Biblical character, King David. He wrote this song to highlight God’s strength and faithfulness after God delivered him from Saul, who had been trying to kill him. The song is full of beautiful imagery, raw honesty, and unhindered praise.
Although we live centuries after this man walked the earth, and despite the fact that most of us haven’t experienced life as a royal, there is still so much we can relate to in these verses. We may not know what it’s like to hide in caves and run for our lives from a predator, but we can absolutely relate to the feelings of dread and distress (vs. 4-6), overwhelm and weakness (vs. 16-17), relief (vs. 19) and awe (vs. 30-36, 46-50).
David can’t contain his joy at what God has done. In detail, he recounts everything God has provided for him, including strength, security, protection and sustaining power (vs. 32-35). In verse 33, he verbalizes this sustaining power by introducing the imagery of hiking in high altitudes: God makes David’s feet like those of a deer, who are able to expertly traverse the rough terrain.
Only 3 verses later, though, David testifies of a different way God acts on his behalf while he’s on this journey. Instead of making David’s feet capable of navigating the difficult path, God changes the path altogether! He provides.
“You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”
Just like modern-day hikers, God knows that the ankle joint is an extremely vulnerable part of the body and He compassionately provides a way to protect it. In David’s case — and maybe yours?— God gave David the ability to endure through the unsteady, scary part of the journey until it was time to open up the path beneath David’s metaphorical feet. At some point, God decided enough was enough. No more rocky terrain. No more uncertainty. No more risk of pain and injury. Just a broad, smooth path ahead of him.
Sister, has God called you to walk a rough road? Are you tempted to feel like things will be this way forever? There’s hope that the path beneath your feet will widen and smooth out. This verse gives us reason to believe that we won’t have to feel like we’re wavering and slipping forever. Just ahead lies a steady part of the journey, where our steps will be firm and secure. God is our rock (vs. 2), and in the same way He provided a steady path for David, He will provide for us.
REFERENCE:
Spicer, Diane. “Ankle Injury Prevention Tips To Keep You On The Trail.” Hiking-For-Her, 2022, https://www.hiking-for-her.com/ankle-injury-prevention.html.
For Your Journal
Find It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.
“You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” — Psalm 18:36
Fix It:
In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:
YOU PROVIDE
BROAD PATH
A broad path lies ahead of me.
Feel It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit so that you begin to feel like the new person you’re becoming in Christ. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.
Father, you are a good and loving provider. You supply me with basic needs and care about the desires of my heart. You also provide the right paths for me to take. Thank you that you are powerful enough to change my course, giving me stability and protection from harm. Help me to trust that you will sustain me in difficult circumstances, and help me to believe that you can change those circumstances as you see fit. Give me hope that smooth roads lie ahead of me. I trust you. Amen.