Comfortable Shoes

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

This week I looked at the shoes that I have been wearing around the house for the last few years. The band is “I Love Comfort.” Though shabby and worn, they are comfortable and familiar. They still have good support, but I know they are not suitable to wear out in public. It is time to choose something else to wear in their stead. I am not quite ready to toss them in the garbage and they are not good enough to donate to someone else. Yet, I have had them for so long, that perhaps I will want to wear them again some time in the future. I know that if I keep them around, I will find myself putting them on out of habit. So, into the garbage they go.

As I looked at these shoes, I thought there must be a spiritual lesson here somewhere. My friend and I discussed it on the phone this morning. We are always tossing around ideas for my devotions and for her sermons. She suggested I use the scripture that is posted above.

Have we become so comfortable with our spiritual life, that we just want things to go on as usual? Can we honestly pray this prayer that David prayed? Perhaps the Lord has allowed this isolation that we have been going through, to bring us to a place where we honestly let the Lord investigate our hearts and examine us. Had we become so comfortable in our walk with God, faithfully attending church every Sunday, going to Bible Study, reading our Bible, and spending some time in prayer each day, that we just were going through the motions?

Are we willing to open the closet of our hearts and minds and let God show us what is in there? It may be painful. It is hard to relinquish the familiar for something new. I know that the Lord has dealt with me about some things this past couple of months, and by the grace of God, I am not the person I was at the beginning of the year. My prayer time has changed considerably, there are some days when I just spend time, meditating upon Him, letting His Spirit speak to me. He has always been there for me, but so much more during this period. The time I spend with Him each day has become more precious.

It is one thing to let God show us what is in our hearts, but then there is a step we must take. We must be willing to throw out the old shoes and put on new ones that are pleasing to the Lord. We like to cling to the familiar, and it may be difficult to make a change, but the blessings we receive from the Lord will outweigh what we have laid aside.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and mercy towards us, and that you know what is best for us. Search our hearts today and give us the strength and courage to lay aside the things that are not pleasing to you and walk in the path you wish us to go.

Devotion by Anne Johnston