April 29, 2026
Lessons of the Leash
SHIRLEE ABBOTT
Lee en español
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
Once my husband and I chose our dog, Princess, from the shelter, we shopped for the necessities: food and water bowls, a comfy bed, and of course a sturdy leash. We wanted to keep our new girl safe.
On our first trip around the block, I realized Princess and I weren’t walking in tandem. Thus began the lessons of the leash:
- I’m in charge. We make quick trips for her to do her business, but I decide when and where we’re going. We also enjoy long walks at the park or wildlife preserve, but these happen on my schedule, not hers.
- Stay on the path. Princess spies a squirrel or rabbit and begins to chase … till she reaches the end of her leash. It keeps her safe from straying.
- Leave it alone. She diligently sniffs her way beside me. Sometimes she finds something intriguing (or dangerous), but I tell her, “Leave it!”
- We move at my pace. Princess often pulls on the leash, eager to charge ahead. When she does, I come to a full stop. If she wants to walk, we do it at my pace.
One frustrating day, as my four-legged companion pulled every which way, I sensed what felt like God’s whisper in my soul.
How often do I decide when and where to go with no thought of Him?
What “rabbit trails” pull me off the path we’re walking together?
Am I desperately hanging on to something I should leave behind?
When have I rushed ahead until God had to bring me to a full stop?
Thankfully God sees us not as pets but as His children — and we’re connected to Him not by a leash but by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, some lessons of the leash apply:
- Ultimately God directs when and where I go. I may think I’m in charge, but I’m not.
- I am easily distracted. I mindlessly click through social media, get caught up in gossip, and envy what others have. But God’s Spirit reminds me to stay on His good path.
- Long after they’ve served their purpose, I tend to hang on to old habits, projects, and even ministries. The Spirit’s gentle words — leave it — are my cue to let go and move forward.
- Often when I sense where God wants me to go, I charge full speed ahead. But even on the right path, I need to move at God’s pace, not mine. What I see as obstacles may be spiritual speed bumps keeping me in step with God’s timing.
King David’s petition in Psalm 25:4, likely written during a time of trouble in his life, has become my prayer through my own blunders and detours: “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.”
Just as Princess’ leash keeps her safe, the Spirit protects and directs our steps as we walk with God.
What about you, my friend? Where do you struggle to follow God’s pace and path? Which of these lessons apply to your walk with Him?
God, I know I should walk in perfect step with You. Forgive me for going my own way, holding back, or rushing ahead. Teach me to follow Your lead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Have you ever noticed how the Gospels show us Jesus meeting people right in the middle of their real lives? Not when everything was calm. Not when their faith was perfect. When they were afraid, uncertain, desperate for healing, unsure what to do next. That’s exactly what we’ll see as we read the Gospel of Mark in our upcoming First 5 study — Mark: Trusting King Jesus as the One Who Sees You, Saves You, and Never Lets Go. Together we’ll encounter the Savior who steps toward people in their questions, suffering, and need — reminding us that even when life feels fragile, He is steady. Follow along in the First 5 app, and if you’d like to spend time processing these moments in Scripture more deeply, you can get the Mark study guide now in the Proverbs 31 Bookstore! You’ll find expanded teaching, guided reflection, and space to process all God is speaking as we walk through Mark together.
ENGAGE
Read Shirlee’s constructive thoughts and morning prayers on her Souls Under Construction website, or follow her on Facebook.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 30:21, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left” (NLT).
Do you struggle to hear the Spirit’s voice behind you? What changes can you make now to hear better and follow God’s directions in the future? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Shirlee Abbott. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
