Notes on Hope Devotional

Known Yet Unseen

Psalm 77:19
Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 

A few years ago, a physical therapist told me it was good for my feet to walk in the sand. So, when I get a chance, I take off my shoes and walk on the beach. As I walk along, I notice my calves and toes getting a workout. 

What I especially enjoy is walking where the water and waves come up to my feet. Seeing my footprints disappear as the water covers the sand never gets old. Today’s verse in Psalm 77 offers another perspective of that image “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”

The entire chapter of Psalm 77 is a lament, filled with questions and reflections of the author, Asaph. In verses 16-20, he writes of the power of God in the storm, with thunder and lightning, and the might of the ocean waves.

Amidst the power of God’s creation on display, comes a statement that we might miss. It’s like a full orchestra playing with cymbals and drums and then a pause with only one instrument quietly and gently offering an interlude; “your way through the mighty waters, though footprints were not seen.”

Normally, our footprints indicate where we have walked. Like a snow angel in the snow, the shape is evidence of someone being in that space. Here is exactly where Asaph discovers the personal intervention of God on his behalf. It was “through” that he knew he wasn’t alone. The evidence was not in what he saw, but in what he didn’t see.

If you read the entire Psalm, Asaph knows God’s power in creation, God’s presence in his life, and God’s protection in a storm. God had taken him “through the mighty waters, though footprints were not seen.” There was an unknown of what he didn’t see, yet he knew God was there. Where have you known God was with you without seeing the exact evidence?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your power in creation. Thank You for Your presence in the storm. Give us faith to trust when we cannot see, knowing You are with us.
In Jesus Name, Amen.