Strength for the Journey

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. - Psalm 37:23-24

This passage gives great comfort to me in a number of different areas.  Unless your life has been problem-free, this passage should provide comfort to almost anyone.  After all, no one I know has had a problem-free life.  Our own minds will give us trouble with our insecurities even if nothing else will.  Let's break down this passage into some principles to take to heart about how God provides us strength for our days, shall we?

1. God will guide our steps.  God has a specific plan in mind for each of us, suited to our own individual talents, abilities and sphere of influence.  God delights when His children follow His path.  I bet He even smiles.   Won't you ask God for direction for each step of your journey today?

2. God will break our fall.  Even the best of us get tripped up from time to time - even if we are following God's directions.  We get tripped up from our insecurities.  We get knocked down by being overwhelmed at all that we have to do.  God will break our fall so that when we do hit the ground we will also be able to get back up again.  Where are you today?  Have you fallen? Have you gotten back up?  If not, why not?

3.  God will hold us up. In spite of our failings, we are guaranteed by God's word that we will not remain down for good: we will not be utterly cast down.  Isn't that a great promise?  We will not be utterly cast down because the LORD will uphold us with His hand.  In what way can you let God hold you up today?

Yes, God will be our strength in times of trouble - when we fall down and don't think we can get back up again (Ps 37:39).  Being a Christian does not entitle us to problem-free living.  But we can know that if we are diligently seeking a righteous life and seeking God's direction in our life, He will delight in our trying.  He will give us direction.  He will help us back up when we fall.  And He will help keep us going down the road.  He is our strength for the journey.