Tracks in the Snow

A glistening dell,

white-clad and temple-like,

a line of fresh tracks

beneath a spruce’s spike;

where winds have not come in

to shake the boughs of snows,

and in cold winter’s blue,

the morning sun grows.

Here, we know a pattern,

while breathing crisp air,

the prints of whitetail deer

preserved in snowy care;

the pointed toes had followed

the ones before them made,

and dainty ones, too,

had crossed the open glade.

The wisest and the learned

trust in established ways,

through difficult paths

to kinder, happier days;

so, let us raise a prayer

and speak our human need—

to keep within Christ’s footsteps

and follow His lead.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

Tracks in the Snow

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12

Remember when we played ‘Follow the Leader’ as kids? Maybe you have children or grandchildren that play this around the house or outside. When I used to teach music to kindergarten students, they liked to mimic my motions to a song. I had them marching around the music room feeling the beat in their step. They could march the steady beat, clap the rhythm of the melody and swing their arms in expressions of phrasing and dynamics.

Jesus promises the light of life to those who follow Him. What a great promise! What does the ‘light of life’ mean? I think it’s an opportunity to feel the beat of the Holy Spirit, responding, sometimes, with a spring in our step due to happiness in our heart. It enables clear vision to be able to wave our arms in expressions of joy or keep them close during times of sadness.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18

As you know, since God is the Creator, He has the right to make the rules. Honor God and I think He will honor you. The vision of spiritual eyes is connected to keeping the law of the Creator. Follow Him in faith. Without faith, the way becomes dark and far away from the light of life.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Matthew 9:9

Jesus calls people to follow Him. I’ve discovered over the years that to be a good follower means to get out of the leader’s way. It’s basic but I still have to learn that a follower doesn’t go in front of the leader! It’s that trust factor. To be a follower of Jesus Christ means to trust where He leads.  

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Moses assured Joshua in the sight of all Israel to be strong and of good courage when entering the land of Canaan. God was giving them the land that He had promised and they were to go in and possess it. And following God, they did. God goes before us today. Be strong and of good courage, calling on God to lead the way through the difficulties you face. If God can help Moses and Joshua, He can help us.

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

Deuteronomy 5:33

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

Deuteronomy 13:4

The deer take the path of least resistance. They follow a path already broken from the one who broke trail. Like creation, let us remember to trust God to lead. 

Light of life. In Him, there is no darkness. I was surprised to learn that the phrase ‘God works in mysterious ways’ isn’t in the Bible. That phrase is based on a poem written in 1773 entitled ‘Light Shining Out of Darkness’ by William Cowper. Vagueness is not part of God’s way. Neither is darkness because God is clear. There might be mysteries, but God has revealed many. He doesn’t act secretively because He doesn’t need to.

If things aren’t too clear, then seek Creator God for clarity. If you don’t ask, the odds of God granting your request are much slimmer! When you find others walking on the same faith road, it’s encouraging when trying to walk the faith. And that’s another thing that could be granted if requested: friends to walk with.

Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:133

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalm 37:23

Ask God to help you get out of the way. Ask for the light of life. Also, please be praying for the Chinese Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. Pray that churches everywhere would continue to grow in faith, wisdom and ministry.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

1 Peter 2:21

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Isaiah 54:10

With tracks set before us by Jesus Christ and the promised ‘light of life’, follow the leader who gives the lasting covenant of peace.