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Psalm 37:23, 24 - Walking With The Lord.Psalm 37:23, 24 (NIV) The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.INTRODUCTION The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL Hiking to Heaven Twenty-five-year-old Avery Shawler didn't give up. She had been hiking alone in Idaho's backcountry, up a mountain called the Devil's Bedstead, when she fell 60 feet from an icy ridge. After regaining consciousness and tending to multiple injuries, she tried calling 911 - again and again. After more than 13 attempts and on only 10 percent battery, she got hold of dispatch and, within a couple hours, was rescued via helicopter. Today's text contains a promise for those who fall while hiking to heaven. "A good man" allows the Lord to order his steps, but he is also in the process of being sanctified. Sometimes, like "a righteous man" in Proverbs 24:16 who "may fall seven times," a good man falls when he ceases to rely on the Lord for direction. The key point is what he does after he falls - he doesn't give up. Like the righteous man "[rises] again," the good man will "not be utterly cast down" either. He will realize his transgression and repent, returning to God (28:13). When he does, the Bible promises that he will be rescued by "the LORD [who] upholds him with His hand." The Hebrew word for "hand," yawd, indicates "power, means, direction." If we continually allow God to direct our path, we are promised that His same powerful hand will be upon us in our journey. But remember, there is a summit we are to reach. If you keep on God's way, Christ "is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24). Mighty Father, when I fall while hiking to heaven, teach me to get back up and to rely on You for all life's obstacles. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] CLOSING PEARL What does it actually take to follow the Lord? Is it a state of perfection, scholarly knowledge of the Bible, or friendship with God? Moses, Abraham, and David were all known as friends of God. Were they perfect? Far from it! They messed up in various ways and still God called them friends. In their surrender to God, he restored them, time and time again! Reject the idea that religious perfection is what God is after. It is not. He wants us to know him, to be close to him, and to trust him. He wants to transform our lives with his marvelous mercy as we humble ourselves before him and choose his ways over our own. He is full of loving-kindness, and he does not use our weaknesses against us. Let's follow him and what he requires, humbling ourselves before him and yielding to his Spirit every time we get it wrong. Give up trying to appear perfect and simply do your best and love the Lord today. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 37:23, 24 - Embracing Adventure. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230725-1052.html John 15:4, 5 - Abiding in Jesus - Learning to Listen. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190710-1307.html Matthew 13:12,13 - Growing In Christ. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040212-0852.html Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not for I Am With You! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240227-0820.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |