February 25

He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. — 1 Sam 2:9 BSB

The Lord sees His poor scattered pilgrims traveling through a valley of tears, making their way through a waste howling wilderness, where every step is fraught with traps, snares, and dangers. How can they possibly escape? The Lord Himself keeps their feet, carrying them through every rough place like a tender parent carrying a small child. When they are about to fall, He graciously places His everlasting arms beneath them, and when they are stumbling and their feet are ready to slip, He mercifully holds them up so they don’t fall completely. In this way, the Lord keeps the feet of His saints.

But do you think He has only one way for everyone? The God who created the world didn’t make two flowers or two leaves exactly alike, so will He cause all His people to walk the exact same path? No, we each have our own path, our own troubles, and our own trials. Each of us faces different traps and snares. The wisdom of the all-wise God is shown in His watchful care, marking each pilgrim’s footsteps and providing the specific remedies we need. He appears for us when no one else can help, watching over each of us as though His eyes of affection were focused on just one person, using all His power to keep us from harm.