We’re a couple of weeks into the New Year. Is there something you’re trying to accomplish? Staying focused on a goal isn’t always as easy as we hoped. It can feel like an endless cycle of trying to do more of what’s required while trying to let go of what’s limiting to our faith.

But we’re not alone.

The psalmist was trying too. And as he prayed, he came to a winning conclusion.

I’m not trying to get my way
In the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up. – Psalm 17:4-5 MSG

Depending on my perspective, my way can be influenced by the world’s way. But God’s way is always His Word’s way.

I’m thankful for this psalm because the world – in all of its beauty and wonder – can promote what is selfish, perverted and unkind.

However, the psalmist’s three ways to move forward in life are not statements of our perfection; they are commitments to a godly process. No wonder the psalmist’s declares,

“I’m staying on your trail.”

One thing is for sure, we’re all trying to find our way through or to something. It may be through a difficult time or toward a cherished goal.

In this season of my life, I’m in the process of both.

Any path comes with things we can’t control. However, only God’s trail comes with peace that goes beyond our understanding. (Philippians 4:6 and 7)

Any path comes with rewards and consequences. But God’s trail is the only one paved with grace beyond measure as we seek to follow Christ. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Hence, the psalmist says,

“I’m putting one foot in front of the other.”

Lifting one foot and placing it before the other is not an easy feat; especially if we’re not sure where we stand.

Fear tells us the next step will make us vulnerable. Doubt tells us the next step is inconceivable. And yet, walking by faith is a must or sinking into something less is a certainty.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105 ) It illuminates His will for our lives and steadies our steps with His truth. Therefore, the psalmist’s final declaration is,

“I’m not giving up.”

I admit there are days when I want to forge my path. There are moments when the next step seems daunting and I want to run in the opposite direction.

But. I’m. Not. Giving. Up. It’s the cadence I need in my Christ-following heart. When I fail, a repentant rhythm invites me to turn back to Him. When I succeed there’s a grateful dance and when I’m not sure which way to go, I hear Him say, “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Listening to the Spirit’s cadence is a deliberate choice and depending on which day you ask me, it’s an intense battle. But the victory is mine as I keep looking to Jesus, the Champion who never gave up. He persevered, even through death on the Cross. He sits at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 12:1-3) — praying for me. (Hebrews 7:24 and 25).

He is praying for you too. I hope you’ll join the psalmist and me as we declare by faith in Him:

I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up.

These are wise and winning words. It’s not because they are fueled by our determination. It’s because they are found in the Word of God.

As we look at our lives, may these words shine brighter than any other path. May they give us strength to walk and to stand.

May we hear them louder than any other rhythm, because His Word’s way always leads to hope for the heart and joy to the soul.