The other day while on a walk, I encountered a lady walking her dog. Ambling a few yards behind, the Beagle looked tired and disinterested. “Poor dog,” I thought, “It must be old.” I remarked to the lady, “He sure appears tired. “No, she said in a disgusted, slightly angry tone, “He just doesn’t want to go in the same direction I want to go!”
Continuing my walk, I heard my heavenly Father say, “Neither does my children always desire to go in the direction where I want to go.” I smiled, “God has a sense of humor,” I thought.”
And yet, the rhetorical question remains, “Am I like the Beagle, dragging behind the Lord? Am I one who wants to lead, or lag, rather than being led by the Spirit? Being led by the Spirit is not just an event or an encounter, but a way of life. Am I submitting to the Spirit when it’s convenient or beneficial? Am I being led by the truth that sets me free or that which I choose to embrace according to my understanding, desire, and reasoning?
Am I rejoicing with thanksgiving in the Lord, or is my heart heavy with concerns? Is the peace of God that crushes Satan under my feet rule the day, or am I filled with internal stress? Do I have the joy of the Lord that is my strength that causes my heart to sing? Am I doing things with the Lord or for the Lord, always giving and serving rather than moving in the anointing? Is my trust in the Lord or do I bear a frown for a crown? Jesus prompted us to come to Him and in doing so, He will give us rest, for His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Mathew 11:28 -30).
How close we walk with the Lord is on display. I do not wish to walk ahead of the Lord, nor lag behind where a prodding is required. To be where Jesus is requires that we hear His voice and follow Him. Jesus said,
If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there will My servant be also: If anyone serves Me, My Father will honor him (John 12:26).
In His presence, there is fullness of joy. His Spirit energizes me with the life of His presence. His truth renews my mind. His thoughts impart His ways and understanding. There is nothing like the joy of the fellowship that comes with walking with the Lord. To walk with Jesus following His voice brings great joy to our heavenly Father, who bestows honor with favor upon His sons and daughters.
As King David knew, “Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, or Lord, in the light of your countenance” (Psalms 89:15)
In His great grace and love – Roy Roden