S) "23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand."
Psalm 37:23-24 (NASB)
O) This such a wonderful picture of a loving father. I can't even tell you how many times I've held the hand of one of my children as they were toddling along, and they stumbled along the way. Because I was holding their hand, at times even anticipating their fall, I was able to save their knees from scrapes and their cheeks from tears. The really telling thing, is that there were countless times when my children didn't want to hold my hand. I knew very well that it was for their own safety, but they still resisted. Even without any real threat, I love holding the hands of my children, keeping them close, spending time with them.
A) Putting myself into the shoes of the toddler, it is an incredible comfort to know the LORD wants to be the One who holds my hand. However, everything rests on the first line of verse 23. My steps must be established by the LORD. I can only hold my child's hand, if my child is walking by my side. In the same way, I can only expect God to delight in my ways, to hold my hand, to prevent my fall; if my steps are first established by the LORD. I need to remember two things: 1) holding His hand is for my safety. 2) He desires to hold my hand, even if the way is not particularly dangerous.
P) Father, I long to walk in Your ways, only. On my own I am hopelessly lost. I know that when I wander around without You, it's only a matter of time before I am going to stumble. The only assurance I have of Your saving and holding hand, is if I am walking along the way that You establish, LORD. Let me be eager to seek Your ways in earnst. Give me comfort and confidence in Your sustaining hand. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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