God Goes Before Me (Day 267)

Thursday, September 24, 2026

God Goes Before Me: You Don't Have to Go First

by Torrie Slaughter

Psalm 68:1–18

Anchor Scripture:
“O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness…” — Psalm 68:7

Psalm 68 opens with movement.

God arises.

Enemies scatter.

The righteous rejoice.

Then David remembers something God's people had learned throughout their history:

God goes before His people.

He remembers God marching through the wilderness.

Think about what that means.

The wilderness wasn't familiar territory.

Israel couldn't depend upon road signs, maps, crops they had planted, or systems they had built.

Yet they weren't wandering ahead hoping God would catch up.

God went before them.

And nestled within this enormous picture of God's power is remarkable tenderness.

David calls Him:

Father to the fatherless.
Protector of widows.
The One who settles the solitary in a home.

The God who marches before armies notices vulnerable people.

His strength does not make Him distant.

His power does not diminish His tenderness.

Perhaps that's important for someone who has learned to survive by always thinking ahead.

What could happen?

What might go wrong?

What do I need to prepare for?

How can I protect myself?

Planning can be wise.

But there is a difference between preparation and self-protection fueled by fear.

Sometimes we're mentally living three days ahead because today doesn't feel safe enough.

David gives us another picture:

God has already gone before you.

You don't have to arrive tomorrow before God does.

You don't have to predict every problem before God can protect you.

You don't have to control every possibility before God can lead you.

Today's Micro Surrender

I surrender the fear that I must go ahead of God to protect myself.

When your thoughts race ahead today, bring them back.

Not next month.

Not next year.

Not every possible outcome.

Today.

Ask yourself:

Where is God asking me to trust Him right now?

Then remain there with Him.

The wilderness may be unfamiliar to you.

It has never been unfamiliar to God.

Prayer

Father, thank You for going before me. When fear sends my thoughts racing into tomorrow, bring me back to Your presence today. Teach me to follow rather than trying to secure every step ahead of You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Reflection

Where am I mentally running ahead because I'm afraid God won't already be there when I arrive?

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