Before - One Good Word a Day

Before

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.

AS I WALKED BRISKLY across the polished granite floor, the clickety-clack of my high heels declared my presence, exuding both confidence and purpose to anyone watching. Despite my calm and competent outward appearance, my heart beat faster than normal and my palms were clammy. I knew the importance of today’s motion hearing, and I was understandably nervous. As I moved toward the large, ornately carved wooden doors leading into the courtroom, I, as was my custom, was silently praying. Lord, go before me. May your presence be in this courtroom this morning. Give the judge divine insight and wisdom, whether she knows you or not. May I argue my client’s case with excellence and integrity. But, Lord, may your perfect will be done, always. Amen.

Pausing outside the room to straighten my shoulders, I pulled open the door and entered, ready to defend my client’s position to the best of my ability but relying upon God for the outcome based on his perfect understanding of the parties and the situation at hand.

I often ask God to go before me, before loved ones, before perfect strangers who find themselves facing uncertainty or scary situations. I not only invite God into school buildings, hospital rooms, operating theaters, courtrooms, and even into conference rooms where important decisions are about to be made, but I ask him to be the advance guard—to already be present as the person I am praying for steps through the doorway.

There is something immensely comforting in knowing that God’s presence is already awaiting us as we step across a threshold. When he goes before us, we are not alone, not even for a millisecond as we move from one space to another. We are not abandoned, even in our worst moments and deepest grief. His presence brings peace and comfort, no matter what we face.

Lord, go before me and those I love today. Be already present in all the places and spaces we enter today. May I perform to the best of my ability, leaving the outcome to you. Amen.

-Julie

One Good Step: As you cross thresholds, pause to ask God to go before you, meeting you as you enter.