"Ordered Steps"

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23 

When we think about a "good" man, we think about someone who is morally right. As I was looking a little closer at this verse the meaning of the word "good" here has a greater emphasis. It means: man, strong man, warrior (emphasizing strength or ability to fight). When you look at the verse with this definition of what it means by "a good man", it gives a whole new meaning to what is being said.

 

This verse lets us know that no matter who we are, even a mighty warrior, we don't have the ability to direct our steps. Your strength doesn't make you strong enough to know how to walk, what to do and where to go without the direction of the Lord. It is that way with all of us. This verse, in essence, lets us know that no matter who we are-- the strong, the well-educated, the talented, the old, young, male, or female-- nothing we possess within ourselves empowers or enables us to be able to walk through this life on our own. We have to have the Lord directing our steps. We have to acknowledge Him with each step we take. 

 

Are you trusting in your strength, your education, your ability to navigate you through life? It won't. One of the definitions for ordered means: to be firmly established, be stable, be secure, be enduring. Does that sound like something your strength can do for you? Does it sound like something education can make happen? Does it sound like your courage can firmly establish you? The Lord is the only One who can give us stability and make us secure. He is the only One who can keep our feet upon the right path. He is the only One who can keep us from slipping as we walk because He firmly establishes and directs our steps. 

 

The Lord can make our walk firm and secure. He can give us guidance and direction. But only if we are willing to let Him. So, who is directing your steps-- the Lord or yourself?

 

Have a great day. No matter how strong, popular, talented or well educated you may be, it is not enough to direct your own steps... only the Lord can do that.

 

For further reading:

Psalm 94:18; 18:36