The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Psalms 37:23-24
Do you remember the first steps of your child? Perhaps you looked on in wonder, excitement, and anticipation wanting to run and protect them from falling yet holding yourself back. As they start to falter, out goes your hand to steady them. Sometimes a steady, helping hand is all we need to stay on our feet.
This is the picture of the Lord in today’s verse. We are told that the Lord directs the steps of the good and godly person. Verse 31 helps define who the psalmist is referring to: “Someone who has made God’s law their own.” In other words, it refers to someone who knows God and follows His word in his or her life. Of course such a person will be well directed. The Hebrew word translated as “directed” can also mean ordered, stable and secure. As a parent delights in the first steps of a child, God delights in the godly steps of His children.
The psalmist also recognizes the reality of life, and that there will be times that we stumble. A stumble, however, does no damage. It alerts us to be more careful and to be more attentive to our surroundings and the dangers of the path. God’s steady hand holds us through the rough roads and we have nothing to fear.
Personal reflection: The Lord takes pleasure in the steps of His godly children. Endeavor to follow Him more closely each day and know that His hand is ready to steady you.