If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand (Psalm 37:23, 24 NIV).
A child of God is God’s delight. God watches over him all the time. He therefore need not fear losing the way. But that does not mean that there won’t be pitfalls on the way. These hidden dangers which are not easily visible can make one stumble.
If it is sin that caused you to stumble, then there is One who will take up your cause (read 1 John 2:1). If it is something else like loss, discouragement or some unforeseen difficulty, then again “underneath are his everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
So dear child of God, you need not worry how you are going to safely walk your spiritual journey on earth. The secret is God delighting in your way! How can that happen?
First of all, you need to prepare your ways before God. That means your ways should be open before God. There should be nothing that makes you hide your thoughts from Him.
Secondly, you should not trust in your own understanding. Always remember that God’s wisdom is available to you if you ask. He will give divine wisdom to you that no man on earth can find fault with.
Thirdly, you have to seek God’s counsel at all times. See, a way to travel means you have to walk. And walking or traveling is a step by step process. So you need to check with God often to see that you are in the right track. If these things are right, then God will delight in your way.
Further, God will make your steps firm. Since He delights in your way, He will show favor on whatever you do. He will arrange circumstances in such a way that you will be blessed in “your coming and going” (Psalm 121:8).
He will give you a mind at peace, and single-mindedness of purpose. And you will walk steadily and make progress because God has made your steps firm.
He will also remove far from you those things in you that caused you to stumble. This He does by gentle restoration every time you stumble. Instead of condemning you, He makes it possible for you to be strengthened.
He gives you grace and courage and willingness to reject those sinful things that cause stumbling. This happens because He delights in your way. It is a result of your delighting in Him (see v. 4).
That means you cherish, love and honor what is dear to God. It is then that God will uphold you with His hand!
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