He Walks Beside You

Shoot fire, peach pit, why don’t you just git on off this here front porch with me and sit under the ol’ magnolia tree for a spell, so we can shoo that nosey lil’ guinea hen out from under your feet and settle in real easy like. We’re ’a-fixin to wander through a truth sweeter than blackberry jam on a pipin’ hot biscuit: God’s love for you is immeasurable, and it’s through that love you find your strength.

Mark 16:12–13 tells us, “Afterward He appeared in a different form to two of His followers, but no one believed them.” Now isn’t that somethin’? Jesus had just conquered death, rolled the stone away, and instead of ‘a-marchin’ into the temple with a heavenly brass band, He showed up to two regular ol’ travelers—so ordinary they didn’t even get name tags in Scripture. And He came incognito like a raccoon ‘a-sneakin’ into the chicken coop. They didn’t recognize Him at all.

But that’s just like the Lord. Psalm 73:23–24 reminds us, “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel.” Not loud, not flashy, not with fireworks and a parade—just steady, quiet presence. Sometimes we don’t realize He’s ‘a-walkin’ with us till the storm’s behind us and we’re ‘a-wringin’ out our socks.

Those two disciples rushed back to tell everybody, but bless their lil’ pea pickin’ hearts, nobody believed ‘em. Maybe their story didn’t have enough razzle dazzle. Folks like drama: earthquakes, fire, thunder. But God often shows up like He did for Elijah in 1 Kings 19:12: “in the sound of a gentle whisper.” You gotta lean in close to hear a whisper. Same with His presence.

And here’s the good news, pumpkin seed: Jesus doesn’t just come a’-walkin’ with you in church. He walks with you in the grocery store, in the doctor’s office, in the middle of the night when your thoughts are louder than a rooster at sunrise. Even when you can’t feel Him, He’s right there real close, closer than a tick on a hound dog.

So, take a deep breath. Slow down. Notice Him. Thank Him. And maybe sit still long enough to hear that gentle whisper float across your heart like a breeze through the oak trees.

Father, thank You for never leavin’ my side, whether I’m ‘a-dancin’ through joy or ‘a-trudgin’ through trouble. Help me notice Your quiet presence, trust Your steady guidance, and rest in Your unfailing love. Hold my heart close today and every day. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Now get yourself on out there, junebug, and tuck this here truth in your pocket like a baby chick ‘a-tucked under a warm wing, all safe, steady, and right where it belongs when the world gets a lil’ too loud and windy. And remember, your Savior may be ‘a-walkin’ incognito, but He’s still ‘a-walkin’ right beside you every step of the way.

With joy,

Gwen