The Steps of a Good Man … by Paul Meyer

Today’s Reading – Psalms 36 – 39 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 1 John 1 – 5Psalms 111 – 115Proverbs 23)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Matthew 6:33

Read the “0623 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Reading our passage this morning I’ve been trying my best to ruminate over the verses. I’ve heard it often said that familiarity breeds contempt, as I’ve matured as a Christian I have found myself in a way not appreciating the familiar verses as I should. There is truth and wisdom in simplicity, these few verses particularly I’ve had memorized since I was a child, but I’ve never appreciated them for how they have applied in my life. 

Theres a few things to unpack here. God concerns himself with the minute details as much as he does the big picture. I’m not sure if any of us can recall the first steps we took as a child, but those first steps have led us to where we are today. The average human will take 216,2262,500 steps in their lifetime, that is approximately 110,000 miles – enough to walk around the equator five times! Each step, though inconspicuous, has contributed to arrival at our destination. This may cause initial anxiety. What if I’m not walking in the way God has for me? What if I arrive somewhere I’m not supposed to? It’s easy for us to fear uncertainty but we can rest assured in the fact that our steps are ordered. The word, “ordered,” which is used in this verse does not mean commanded, it means organized. Remember, Psalm 23 paints the picture that the Lord is our Shepherd. A Shepherd leads the way, he doesn’t drive the herd. More importantly in leading the herd he carefully plans out the path to avoid danger. The sheep need only to heed his voice and follow his leading in order to arrive safely at their destination. This isn’t to say that trials and tribulations won’t come, but that they were not a surprise to the Shepherd. We also have a promise in the next verse: 

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:24) 

There’s two ways of approaching this verse. First, a fall is a trial and tribulation in our life. Although we stray into danger it will not utterly overcome us; the Shepherd has promised us a safe arrival at our destination. Second, a fall is a sin, despite the sin we get ourselves into through our journey, the Shepherd has promised not to forsake us and will ensure we are brought into his fold safely. Whatever application you would like to believe, rest assured that the onus for arrival is not based on the herds abilities but on the Shepherds promises. Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10, furthermore he refers to his church as his sheep. 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” – John 10:27-28 

If you are concerned with your steps there is only one piece of advice I can give – listen to the Shepherd’s voice. We have the Bible to guide us and the Holy Spirit to lead us. If you are saved, positionally you are a good man and your steps are ordered by the Lord. I pray we live each day appreciating the steps God has prepared us and listen carefully to his leading.

Paul and Abi Meyer

Posted in Devotions by with 1 comment.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Phil Erickson
Admin
3 years ago

Great Post!

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x