Psalm 37:23-24 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”  NKJV

Most of us have failed, stumbled, slipped, or erred in our Christian walk in some manner or other.  I do not say that as a justification or excuse for our humanity being exposed from time to time but as a factual reality from which we can learn and grow.  I view my life in keeping with the statement of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained it or already have been perfected, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” 

Although Jesus resisted being called GOOD declaring there is only one God, the Father I would suggest this passage does not seek to deify man but speaks to the life, labor, and walk of the “valiant” or the “warrior” and could be rightly applied to “anyone” who is seeking to follow the LORD.  The Psalmist says that the steps of that person are “ordered” or “directed” by the LORD.  When our lives are pleasing to God it not only brings joy to His heart but gives us reason to rejoice and enjoy the wonder of life here on Earth.

Then the Psalmist brings us to a thought we may not often consider, the possibility of erring in our walk, word, and life.  The possibility of stumbling to the point of falling.  He declares this, not as an absolute but a possibility if not probability, that we may or could stumble or fall.  The powerful and encouraging word is that IF THAT HAPPENS, there is HOPE for “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”  That, to me, is incredibly comforting.  I won’t just somehow find my way up, but I will be held by the Master’s Strong Hand.

I love the connection to the next two verses and expand the power of the Promise to those who seek after and follow the LORD.  Consider them…

Psalm 37:25-26 – “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.  He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.”  

            What a picture for all who are followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We can take comfort that God is fully aware of our path and pursuits in life and if we are willing and obedient, orders or directs our paths making our walk delightful.  Even if we stumble and err that is not fatal failure it is a momentary disruption in our progress because we are being held up by God’s hand.  Then, we can be assured that we will NEVER be forsaken and go without the provision we need in life and that will extend to our descendants.  Hallelujah!

May the LORD be with you, guarding and guiding you in all things and at all times enabling you to achieve your dreams mounting up with wings as eagles and soar above the circumstances of life!  Blessings abundant is my desire and prayer!