2 Samuel 5:24 – “As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move, quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”
Have you ever put a lot of thought into shoes – besides finding the perfect pair for that special outfit? Shoes tell a lot about you. They’re an expression of style and individuality, but they’re not just a fashion statement. They also have an important and practical function and that function is to protect our feet from harmful elements . . . such things as hot pavement, glass, rocks, stickers, etc. Besides being practical, shoes are also symbolic. They represent stability, grounding, and security.
Shoes (or boots as the case may be) can also represent readiness for battle such as in II Samuel 5:24 where David asked the Lord if he should fight the Philistines. God told David yes but to circle around behind the Philistines and stand in front of the poplar trees. God said that as soon as David and his troops heard the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, they were to move quickly and attack the Philistines. The sound of marching was the sound of the Lord going in front of them to battle. Have you ever wondered what that must have sounded like? Wouldn’t it have been something to hear the sound of marching and know that even though you don’t see physical soldiers, the sound you hear is the Lord marching ahead of you to go to battle for you?
God is with us on every path and in every battle we encounter through life. He equips us for the journey, but He also prepares our steps. We have the assurance of God’s presence with us in every step we take, regardless of the circumstances. Much like He led David into battle with the sound of marching in the poplar trees, God is with us and gives us that same readiness to face the world of spiritual battle without fear.
Dear God: Thank you for being with us every day and in every circumstance we face. Thank you for going ahead of us into battle. Thank you for protecting and loving us along our life’s journey. Thank you for keeping us safe so that we know we are secure in your love and protection. In Christ’s precious name. Amen.
- Lindy Bell
