In recent decades, one poem has captured the imagination of Christians worldwide. Often titled "Footprints in the Sand," this poem has inspired gospel songs and a variety of Christian merchandise. It is frequently quoted at church services and funerals, providing comfort to many believers during times of distress. However, how biblically and theologically sound is this poem? How should it be used within the Christian community today? What issues might arise if it becomes part of our understanding of the Christian faith?
A deeper theological reflection is necessary to explore these questions. This article uses an expanded theological reflection model to examine the experience, identify theological concerns, connect the poem with Scripture and Church tradition, and provide new insights for how Christians should approach "Footprints in the Sand" and similar works.
A Summary of "Footprints in the Sand"
The poem tells the story of a dream where a man walks along a beach, his life journey represented by two sets of footprints—one belonging to him and the other to God. However, during the most difficult times of his life, he notices only one set of footprints. Feeling abandoned, he asks God why He left him during his darkest moments. God responds with reassurance: the single set of footprints belongs to God Himself, as He was carrying the man during those times.
The poem is deeply emotional and touching, with its sentimental ending offering God’s assurance of His presence. This universal theme of asking, "Where is God when I need Him?" resonates with many believers, as it reflects the very human experience of doubt and distress. Even Jesus expressed a similar sentiment when He cried out, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) while suffering on the cross.
Theological Concerns
While the poem beautifully portrays God's comforting presence, it also raises several theological questions about the nature of God and how Christians understand their relationship with Him.
1. Our assurance lies in Jesus’ death and resurrection, not physical signs.
The central message of the Gospel is Christ’s death and resurrection, which assures us of God’s presence and salvation. Scripture repeatedly reminds us of God’s faithfulness, from Genesis to Revelation. "Footprints in the Sand", however, shifts the focus to an individual's emotional experience of distress, centering on physical signs of God’s presence—like footprints—rather than the eternal assurance of salvation through Christ. While it is not wrong to seek God in moments of distress, the man in the poem seems to lose sight of the "big picture" of Christian faith: eternal salvation and God's redemptive plan.
2. God is reduced to a "walking buddy."
In the poem, God is depicted as someone who simply accompanies the man, or worse, is "checked" for presence when needed. This portrayal narrows the vast and holy nature of God to a comforting figure designed to meet human expectations. The poem ends abruptly after God’s answer, leaving no space for deeper reflection on who God truly is or His eternal purposes. In contrast, the Bible invites us to know God in His fullness, not just as a helper in times of trouble.
3. Man is accountable to God, not the other way around.
In Scripture, believers are personally accountable to God for their actions, thoughts, and faith (Romans 14:12). Yet in the poem, the man questions God’s presence as if God owes him an explanation. While it is natural to cry out to God in times of need, the narrative portrays God as an "attendant" figure obligated to meet human expectations. The fact that the man does not recognize God’s presence when He is carrying him also raises questions about the depth of his relationship with God.
4. Christianity is about following God, not God following us.
The Bible consistently emphasizes obedience to God as central to a life of faith. From the Israelites’ call to follow God's law in the Old Testament to Christ's command to "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24) in the New Testament, the focus is on human surrender and submission to God’s will. In contrast, the poem shifts the focus to whether God is following the man, reinforcing a self-centered view of faith. Overemphasizing such narratives in Christian culture can distort the message of Scripture and lead to wrong expectations of God.
5. Faith is about knowing God, not just seeking comfort.
While it is natural to seek reassurance of God’s presence, true faith involves repentance, transformation, and growth in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). The poem risks portraying a shallow faith focused on emotional comfort rather than the deeper call to follow Christ wholeheartedly. The Gospel reminds us that God’s ultimate assurance lies not in temporary signs but in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Biblical Reflection: A Deeper Perspective
The story of the woman healed from bleeding (Mark 5:25-34) provides a biblical parallel. This woman sought Jesus for physical healing, but Jesus went beyond her immediate need—calling her forward to encounter Him personally and granting her eternal forgiveness and a new identity as a “daughter” of God. Similarly, God desires our faith to be more than a temporary solution to our struggles; He calls us into a deeper relationship with Him.
Responding to Despair and Loneliness
This article does not dismiss "Footprints in the Sand", nor does it minimize the real pain and suffering many face. Scripture encourages believers to cry out to God with their struggles:
- Misery (Genesis 16:7-13)
- Worries (1 Peter 5:7)
- Anxieties (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Needs (Matthew 6:9-13)
- Grievances (Psalm 142)
God is not distant from our pain. He sees, hears, and delivers us (Exodus 3:7-16). Yet His purpose goes beyond emotional comfort—He uses suffering to transform us and draw us closer to Him (Romans 8:28).
Wrestling with God: A Biblical Response
In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with God, demanding a blessing. God not only blesses Jacob but also gives him a new name, signifying a transformed identity, along with a permanent mark of God’s power. This story shows that God invites us to wrestle with Him, using even our struggles to deepen our relationship with Him.
Final Thoughts: A New Perspective
While "Footprints in the Sand" offers a comforting image of God carrying us in times of sorrow, the Bible reveals a far greater truth. God does not merely walk beside us or carry us; He transforms us through our trials, drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him. Instead of asking God, "Where were You?", we should ask, "What are You doing in me and through me?" In our moments of despair, let us allow God to touch the deepest parts of our hearts, filling the emptiness with His love and purpose.
He promises to answer us when we call (Jeremiah 33:3). His answers may not always come in the way we expect—but they will always lead us closer to Him.
