Scripture: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23
Examination of Chapter: David wrote that the righteous follower of God need not worry about the successes viewed of the unrighteous. Eventually, all their efforts will wither away. God will enable the one who trusts in Him to prosper. He goes on to write that God will help the believer to get through life, and when difficulties are encountered, God will provide the help needed to triumph. He ends with the remember that God has never neglected His own; God is the salvation and strength of the righteous.
Application: I hiked through a gorge the other day. It was a beautiful place with steep cliffs, numerous waterfalls, and beautiful trees. Looking up, from the bottom where the river flowed, into a clear blue sky was breathtaking.
As a hiker, I have to be very careful. I am up in years, and hiking isn’t as easy as it once was. I make sure I have boots with good traction and a sturdy hiking stick. Lastly, I never hike alone. My husband is usually my hiking partner. He is pretty surefooted and doesn’t lead me on treacherous paths. On one occasion, we had to walk single file on some rock steps that were wet and in the recesses of the gorge. He was in front of me and cautioned me to hold on to the railing. Good thing I heeded his instructions because I took a step, and my foot slipped forward on the edge of the step. Instinctively, my fingers became an iron grip on the rail and my walking stick. Without doing that, I would have most certainly tumbled out of control down the stairs. As it was, I managed a quick recovery, pulling my foot back onto the step as my rapidly beating heart began to settle into a more normal cadence. I immediately thanked the Lord for His protection and carefully proceeded down the rest of the slippery steps without incident.
Sometimes, my spiritual life finds me on a path with many dangerous obstacles. There are numerous pitfalls along the way, and if I’m not careful, I could plummet downward and out of control. But like my hike on the gorge, I can overcome these spiritual hazards by remembering the safeguards that the Lord has provided me in His Word. The most important thing to remember is that God Himself has chosen the path for my life, and when I heed His Word, I will be able to walk it without fear.
1. I must always trust His leading. He will never lead me astray.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
2. I must remember that God will always help me when I face the temptation to stray off His path for my life.
- I Corinthians 10:13 reminds me, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
3. I must realize God will not allow me to get lost. His Word is my GPS in this life.
- Psalm 16:11 records, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
4. I must remember that God will not allow me to walk in darkness when I read His Word as He is the light.
- Psalm 119:105 affirms that, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
5. Lastly, I must remember that God will not allow me to fall.
- Isaiah 41:10 reassures me of God’s promise, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
When I reached the end of the gorge, I was so excited because the trail was moderately difficult for me, but I finished it! I had paid attention to the wise words of my husband, and I depended on his help when I needed it. It is the same with my Christian life. I know how to finish my life successfully because I am striving to pay attention to what God tells me in His Word, seek His help continually through prayer, and trust Him to lead me safely through every obstacle.
I can’t wait for my next hike!
Moments with God: My dearest heavenly Father, thank You for the promises in Your Word that You will always be with me and lead me every step of the way through life! I am so blessed to be Your child. Help me to trust You more, and to seek Your guidance in all things. Help me, O God, to walk worthy of what You have called me to do. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.