Level Ground

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;
may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10

My daughter and I decided to go on a spontaneous trip to Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg, Texas this summer. Fortunately for us, a cloudy sky led to much cooler temperatures than normal for June.

We started up that rock pretty exuberantly, confident in our physical conditions and skills, but the further we went, the more winded we got. The more winded we got, the more times we had to stop for rest. 

As we trudged higher and higher on that rock, our rest times became longer and our climbing time shorter. We kept having to stop and catch our breath. We tried zigzagging back and forth to make the climb seem less cumbersome, but that did little to give us the strength needed to make it to the top.

Following a path going down went much faster. Getting back to level ground felt amazing. Our bodies began to function more normally. Our breathing slowed back down. We could talk. We could walk around much easier. Level ground (and a snow cone) made everything physically feel better.

I love this verse in Psalms. Reading it reminds me of what it felt like to descend from that rock and get back to level ground. Spiritually, following His path makes life worth living. It makes my spirit breathe and function better. Worship feels so normal and natural. I am less distracted by the conditions around me. 

Following His lead brings me to His plan for my life. His plan creates more stability and less anxiety for me as a Christian. No matter what goes on around me His level ground brings me peace in the midst of it all. (No snow cone necessary.)

What a joyous feeling in my heart.  

God, teach me to do your will, for you ARE my God. I know that Your Good Spirit will lead me on level ground.

Susan P.