Feet: Walking in God's Pathways

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of feet to represent our journey, choices, and spiritual walk. From the paths we choose to the steps we take, Scripture challenges believers to consider where their feet go and to walk intentionally with God.

Do I intentionally choose where my feet go?

The Bible challenges us to "Consider the pathway you take...make level paths for your feet" (Prov 4:26; Heb 12:13). For where our feet go, there goes our future and witness. At one time the Psalmist said, "My feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold" (Ps 73:2). This is when his attention was incorrectly focused on the seemingly easy lives of those who are outside the family of God.

As believers, we should submit and commit your way to the Lord (Ps 37:5; Jas 4:7). "The steps of a good man are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. Though they may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand" (Ps 37:23-24). Determine to walk uprightly with God's Word to guide your feet, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet" (Ps 119:101,105). Just as a lamp brightens a path for our feet to walk, God's Word provides the illumination and guidance we need to walk in this world.

Walking in God's Guidance

"My steps have held to your paths; [as a result] my feet have not slipped" (Job 23:11; Ps 17:5, 37:31, 66:9). This powerful declaration speaks to the importance of steadfastness in following God's ways. When we commit our steps to the Lord, He provides the stability and strength we need to navigate life's challenges without falling.

"Stand firm in the freedom Christ has brought us into…keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal 5:1,25). Jesus spoke of the necessity of ensuring our walk is upright (Mt 18:8). These verses use the analogy that our feet follow in the pathways we choose in our Christian walk in contrast with the ungodly whose "feet rush into sin" (Ps 1:1; Prov 1:16, 6:18; Isa 59:7).

My steps have held to your paths

The contrast between those who walk in God's ways and those who rush into sin is stark. While the ungodly are characterized by feet that hasten toward wrongdoing, believers are called to walk deliberately and righteously, guided by God's Word and empowered by His Spirit.

Biblical Expressions and Customs

Various other expressions and customs are inferred from the use of 'feet' in the Bible; "Putting all things under His feet" indicating supremacy and victory (Ps 8:6; 1 Cor 15:25-27; Eph 1:22; Heb 2:8). This powerful imagery speaks to Christ's ultimate authority and triumph over all things.

Symbolic meanings

"Falling at a person's feet" signifies humility and gratitude or pleading for mercy and help (2 Kgs 4:37; Mt 18:29; Lk 17:16). This posture demonstrates recognition of another's authority or need for divine intervention.

"Sitting at the feet" of someone implies learning, while "casting something" at someone's feet indicates making an offering (Lk 10:39; Act 4:34,35). Having one's "Feet set on a rock" indicates a solid foundation and stability (Ps 40:2). Each of these expressions conveys deep spiritual truths through the physical imagery of feet.

Foot Washing and Spiritual Warfare

"Shaking off the dust from one's feet" was a sign of condemnation and warning, not wanting to align oneself with the wrong choices of the other (Mt 10:14,15). This practice demonstrated the seriousness of rejecting the Gospel message.

Foot washing was the custom, in Bible times, of guests who after having walked along the dusty roads had their feet washed by the lowest ranked servant – Jesus washed His disciple's feet as a symbol of humility and love instructing them to do likewise (Jn 13:1-17). This act of service modeled the heart of Christ and established a new standard for Christian leadership and community.

Humility and authority

"I will give you every place where you set your foot…" was the promise made by God (Deut 1:36, 11:24; Josh 1:3). This act of possession is the reasoning behind prayer walking especially when coupled with faith and anticipated victory as was the case when the Israelites marched around Jericho (Josh 6:2-20).

Reflection and Application:

Consider where your feet are going today—are they leading you toward God or away from Him?
Allow God's Word to be a lamp to your feet, providing guidance in every decision.
Practice humility through acts of service, following Jesus' example of foot washing.
Walk confidently in God's promises, knowing He establishes your steps.

See also: drift , foot washing, path, wander.