The Day God Left No Footprints

"Footprints in the Sand." We've all heard the story so much that it's almost lost its meaning. At the end of his life, a man sees two sets of footprints - his walk with God. But mysteriously, there were often only one set of footprints. He learns that on those days, God was carrying him.

The story is profoundly true, revealing God's sovereign care during our difficult circumstances. And that is why I was stunned to read in Scripture about the day God left no footprints.

The Psalmist Asaph recounts the story during his own time of trouble (see Psalm 77). Unable to sleep, he tries to make sense of what he is going through, becomes fearful that God's promise would fail, and decides to recount God's mighty works as an antidote to his fear (not a bad prescription for insomnia as well!). In need of his own "mighty works", the story he chooses to recount is the crossing of the Red Sea. Pay special attention to verse 19:

77:14 You are the God who does amazing things;
you have revealed your strength among the nations.
77:15 You delivered your people by your strength –
the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah)
77:16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and trembled.
Yes, the depths of the sea shook with fear.
77:17 The clouds poured down rain;
the skies thundered.
Yes, your arrows flashed about.
77:18 Your thunderous voice was heard in the wind;
the lightning bolts lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
77:19 You walked through the sea;
you passed through the surging waters,
but left no footprints.
77:20 You led your people like a flock of sheep,
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
(Ps. 77:14-20, NET)

Here is something that Exodus doesn't reveal: God walked through the sea with them, passing through the waters without leaving footprints. Modern "higher criticism" loves to debate what natural phenomenon parted the sea for the Israelites to cross. Asaph has no such concerns; he leaves no doubt that the sea parted as God walked through it. His footprints weren't there - but He was.

God led Israel across the Red Sea. Moses and Aaron's hands were what the people saw, but God went before them. Our humanistic perspective turns this story into "Moses parted the Red Sea for the Israelites" ... but Asaph's Godward view lets us see that GOD walked first, and the Sea parted. Of course it did. Its Creator was passing through, and the Sea showed proper reverence.

Asaph's psalm ends here. But I don't doubt that he achieved the peace he sought. Whatever he was going through, whether he could see God in it or not, God was there. The sovereign Creator of the Universe was in total control. His promises wouldn't fail, and someday things would make sense.

What is keeping you awake at night? What questions do you ask God - or do you want to ask God, but are afraid to voice? Think over God's mighty works - in Scripture, in your life, in the lives of those you know. Look beyond the current surface events to God's hand behind the scenes. Maybe the situation is like Esther, where God's name isn't mentioned but His sovereignty is evident. Or maybe it's like the parting of the Red Sea, where God is actively leading you through the surging waters.

Be an Asaph. Pray for eyes of faith to see the unseen. Bow at His feet in worship - and kiss the feet that walk through life ahead of you, leaving no footprints.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1, NET)