The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalms 37:23-24
This morning while reading, I took note of something I had never paid attention to before. We often quote verse 23 and stop. The next verse enlightens us about the good man, though he falls. “Good man” here means to be in good standing with God or a right relationship with Him. God will order or establish his steps.
It’s amazing how we sit and discuss the evils of every man, woman, boy, or girl who have ever fallen. Then we scratch our heads because they were not destroyed, abolished, or annihilated. Suddenly, we see them back on their feet. How could this be?
It is people who cast down, pulverize, stomp, kick, and try to destroy men and women who have had what we call failures in life. Matthew 5:45 reminds us God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and it rains on the just and the unjust. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
In our discourse of discussion and casting down, we must consider who we are. No man is above stumbling, staggering, nor stalling. We are reminded in Proverbs 24:16, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” When Peter asked to step out on the water and come to Jesus in Matthew 14:28, his steps were ordered. He simply took his eyes off of the Lord and looked at the waves. The difference in Peter making it back to the boat or drowning was the hand of Jesus.
Our prayer for you this week: May you come to realize the difference between you being cast down or upheld is where your hand is placed.
