Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you are loved (1 Samuel chapter 6)

Then the cows went straight up toward Beth Shemesh, keeping on the road and lowing all the way; they did not turn to the right or to the left. 1 Samuel 6:12

I had no idea that I would ever learn a lesson from a cow.  However, this morning is the morning that all changed.  The Philistines could not deny the power of God.  They saw this, and decided to return the Ark of the Lord to Israel.  They also wanted to re-confirm all that had happened was in fact from the Lord and not just a crazy coincidence.  They decided to return the ark by cows and a cart.  If the cows returned it directly to Israel, then it was in fact the power of the Lord behind the recent events.  If the cows did not return to Israel then it was a silly coincidence.  They decided to use cows that had just delivered calves and had never before been yoked to another.  You would think that this would cause these cows to turn around in search of their babies, or to go crazy trying to break free from each other.  The cows did neither.  They went straight to Israel; they did not stray to the right or to the left. 

So often, circumstances cause us to veer off the path.  Distracted by so much, our eyes focus on circumstances, or “better options” and I find myself creating my own path.  Two verses come to mind when reading this…

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” –Isaiah 30:21

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:29

You see, we are human. We do veer off course.  However, whether we are on the correct path or to the left or right, we are not alone.  He is there.  He will never leave or forsake us.  He is there in every moment.  He loves you.  He loves you so much, and knows that you are going to fall and have fallen.  He knows you.  He knows every hair on your head, every mistake you’ve made, and he loves you.  He loves you so much that he gave his very own son to die for you…so that you my beautiful friend can live and have everlasting life.  He loves you so much.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. –Psalm 23:2

Enjoy this Valentine’s day, exactly where you are, and know that you are loved more than you could ever dream or imagine.