She read Ps 37:23-24 in The Living Bible (TLB):
“The steps of good men are directed by the LORD. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the LORD holds them with his hand.”
Hmmm… she thought. Who are these good men?
Paul says when we are saved, we are washed of our sins and we become good in the eyes of God. So these good men must be the saved. That means I’m one of the good guys.
“He delights in each step they take.”
The thought of a baby came to mind – one that was just learning to walk. And the delight on the dad’s face as he watched his son take each hesitant step.
God, as my Father, delights in my steps? That’s hard to believe because I sure don’t delight in them. I’m a baby in my faith and am just learning to walk. The steps are slow, often painful and awkward. But God delights in them, and He will always delight in them no matter how old I get.
“If they fall, it isn’t fatal…”
Wow, good to know. Because I fall a lot! My salvation does not depend on how well I walk, but on how well Jesus walked.
“for the LORD holds them with his hand.”
Jesus is right here, all the time, holding my hand as I continue taking steps. I’ll never be separated from Him because it’s Him holding my hand, not me holding His.
Whew. This takes a lot of pressure off me!
She thought for a few minutes. So what I think God is saying is…
Relax! Don’t beat yourself up for your failures, but enjoy the whole spiritual learning process, because I do! I’m with you every step of the way!
Amazing!