The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
The vacation of vacations for our family was in 1997 when our family of 7 traveled cross country from Alabama to California in a conversion van. Pre google maps we trusted the state maps and road signs to guide us to our next destinations.
On one occasion in Nevada, rather than turn around, I took a dirt road that was marked with the appropriate sign. It wound its way through typical desert pasture land. After a few miles on this bumpy road, we were well off the beaten path (It was so deserted, that I thought we were near the Air Force bombing training facility). Then we came to a small creek with muddy dirt on both sides. Unsure if we should cross it for fear of getting stuck in this place we found in the “middle of nowhere”, we stopped for some time considering our options.
From a small child learning to walk, we quickly discern that life goes better when the ground underneath you is stable. Some risk takers move more quickly than others, but it is done with a belief that the ground will be secure on the other side. We hope that things will work out.
Translations do make a difference in understanding. This NIV translation seems to indicate that life goes well when we delight in the Lord. But most other translations choose the meaning that our steps are made strong, because the Lord delights in us. For example,The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. NASB. This rendering is strengthened by the second phrase as the writer declares that the Lord is the one holding the hand and not us trying to hold on to Him.
Do you sense the delight and pleasure of the Lord over your life today? Are you stuck in a circular lie of thinking that you are not good enough? Have you thought that the Lord is too busy to take the time to focus His favor your way? Are you afraid of taking the next step in life for fear of stumbling or failing? What does the “Lord holding your hand” look, sound, and feel like for your life?
This blessing and promise is true for you when you became one of His children. God’s favor, blessing and delight settles over you like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. His natural bent is to look fondly toward His children in order that good may come their way. God loves to see YOU walk on a firm foundation.
My only hope of making it through the muddy road, after praying, was speed. If I backed up and drove fast enough, I anticipated that we would make it through the mud and mire. With Pam and the children praying, we slipped and slid our way across the yuck. No turning back now, California here we come.
May you be strengthened with the resolve to enjoy God’s delight over you today. May you adjust your cadence to His stride as He walks with you, while holding your hand. May you be able to start identifying the blessings of the Lord which are new every morning. Establish our steps today, Lord. As one of His favorites, today this verse is for you.
Blessing Love y’all