Eyes on the Shepherd: Walking in Step with the Spirit
Have you ever stepped onto a familiar path and still felt uncertain about what lies ahead? Whether the quiet predictability of a morning walk or the emotional terrain of a hospice shift, each day holds unknowns. I walk many such paths—some lined with routine, others shadowed by sorrow or surprise. And yet, no matter how well-worn the way, true clarity comes only when walking in step with the Spirit of God.
Upon reflection, I saw in my own life the more familiar the way forward, the less I relied on God’s guidance. But my self-reliance rarely protected me from unexpected encounters or the anxiety of uncertain outcomes even on the well-worn paths.
The Uncertainty of Our Paths
A true fan of routines, my days include many familiar paths and predictable tasks. But even in the daily grind my comfort in routine often finds disruption in the unexpected. For example, each time I enter the hospice inpatient center for my shift I have no idea what I will face that day.
Will I find urgent patient needs?
A favorite patient passed away?
An uneventful shift?
Some days I find all of these realities and other days greet me quietly. Even the familiar route of my daily walks holds the unexpected. Every path we walk contains uncertainty because no matter how predictable the way, we have no certainty what lies ahead.
Each new day, paths await us; we move in chosen directions fulfilling responsibilities and desires. Accomplishment and agenda focused, we seldom consider the paths we travel.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Becoming more attuned to God’s direction for the fulfilling of His purposes within my days, I hold my agenda with open hands, while at the same time acknowledging my need to follow His direction.
The “Watch” Command: Eyes on the Shepherd
Since my dog, Shalom was a puppy, I taught and reinforced a particular command: “Watch”. When used, this means she must immediately make and maintain eye contact with me and seek guidance for the next step.
She is now 3 years old, and while she obeys the majority of the time when given that command, on familiar walks she ignores me and attempts to move in the usual direction. I taught her the command to keep her safe, because she has no ability to ascertain danger or changes ahead without my guidance.
One day as I prayed for God’s direction and the ability to hear His instruction (Isaiah 30:21), Shalom rested at my feet.
God drew my attention to her and brought to mind the training session just completed reviewing the “Watch” command. He reminded me that to hear His voice and follow His direction, my eyes must remain on Him in the same way I expected Shalom’s eyes to remain on me.
But like Shalom often did on familiar walks, I frequently forged ahead without stopping to seek guidance. God established even if I felt familiar with a task or direction, I still had no knowledge what lay ahead or if God desired that I continue in that direction without seeking Him.
Even though we may start our day in prayer, committing our way to God (Proverbs 3:5-6), we must, throughout our day’s travels, continue to “Watch” for His clear direction, keeping our eyes on the Shepherd.
Walking in the Spirit: A Daily Practice
God’s designed way for us to accomplish this is by walking in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16) Knowing God’s ways through study of the scriptures is essential, but as a mature Christian, we must also become adept at hearing His voice and direction throughout our daily activities.
Gods’ Spirit speaks to us through the events of our days, through people, things, and all creation. Giving us ears, eyes, and hearts to discern His presence in each of these areas is the Spirit’s delight. Using even the smallest details, the Spirit brings to mind the things God said, (John 14:26) keeping us in a divine conversation.
While the Spirit speaks and gives guidance, we must cultivate awareness of His presence through a posture of obedience and expectation especially among the ordinary moments of our days.
Glimmers of Grace in the Everyday
As we keep our eyes on God, we remain in step with His Spirit and are directed to the fulfilling of His purpose. We also become positioned to view the glimmers of grace He places in our paths.
His guidance and wisdom often appear in subtle forms: words of a stranger, the message of a billboard, the way of a backyard bird, or an unusual change of plans. These whispers guide our steps, teaching us patience, gratitude, or awareness without dramatic fanfare.
As we learn to respond to these gentle nudges, we increase our awareness of the Spirit’s leading. Recognizing the divine lessons in our everyday encounters invites a deeper engagement with the spiritual dimension of our routines.
Through a heart attitude of obedience, our posture turns towards God for guidance whether we face uncertain paths or familiar ones. Rather than willful straining in the direction of our own way, we slow our pace to that of the Spirit, trusting His guidance and way.
Whether the path before us is unfamiliar or well-worn, the invitation remains the same: “Watch.”
Eyes fixed on the One who sees beyond every bend, we walk not in fear but in faith.
In step with the Spirit, even the most ordinary paths become sacred ground. And in the quiet glimmers of grace, we find that God has been guiding us all along.
Pray with Me
Lord, You are the Shepherd of my steps, the Light on my path, and the Voice that calls me forward.
Teach me to “Watch”—to lift my eyes from the familiar and fix them on You.
When I rush ahead, slow me. When I hesitate in fear, steady me.
May Your Spirit whisper through the ordinary, guiding me with grace, patience, and peace.
Let my obedience be gentle, my pace aligned with Yours, and my heart attuned to Your presence.
Today, I choose to walk with You—not just in morning prayer, but in every step, every breath, every moment.
Amen.
Journal Prompt: Watch and Walk
Reflect on a moment today when you sensed God’s presence or guidance—whether subtle or clear.
- What was happening around you?
- How did you respond?
- What might God have been inviting you to notice, learn, or release?
Then, write a short prayer or declaration of trust for the path ahead, asking the Spirit to help you “Watch” and walk in step with Him.
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