The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; ²⁴though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. —Psalm 37:23-24
Do you plan your vacations? If you’re like us, you do. You research the place you want to go. You check out the available accommodations. You check the weather. You make a list of things to take with you. You print off maps or program your GPS. And after all this research and your decision is made, you look forward with anticipation to the time away. Now, consider this—would you head out on a trip to go to a place that you know nothing about it? Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
Well, many people do go on a trip like this without realizing it. It's called the trip of life. Every day people on this globe head out on this trip not knowing where they are going or what they are doing. No plan. No purpose. No destination in mind. Where will they end up? Often on a road of disappointment, discouragement, and purposeless activity.
This is not the journey for which believers are destined. Psalm 37:23-24 describes a better kind of journey: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD…” We are on a trip that has already been planned and prepared by the LORD. And if we delight in his way, though we fall, we shall not be cast headlong. Albert Barnes says of these verses, “The general idea is that [those of us on this journey] are the object of the divine favor, and [are] under the care of God.” Not only will He prepare our path with purpose, He will shine His favor on us and protect us from harm when we fall.
If we fall into the ways of the enemy, into sin, off the path established for us, under trials and tribulations, into a pit of despair… the LORD upholds our hand (v. 24). What does it mean to “uphold” our hand? Uphold is defined as: to support or defend—as against opposition or criticism; to keep from sinking; to lift upward; raise. What an incredible promise! In the LORD’S favor and care, we will be upheld as we journey with Him.
We are on a trip established and planned by the LORD. He knows where we are going and how we will get there. And if we fall, in one or many of the ways we can and do fall, He, the LORD himself, will raise us to continue our journey. Our steps are established. He knows our “falls.” Our destination is sure. We’re heading to our eternal home. His favor is our delight—He chose us for this journey, after all. And our protection on the path is assured. He goes with us.
Are you ready to go on this journey called life with the One who has called you to join Him? Follow in the steps established by Him, delighting in His perfect ways for you.
For Reflection
Read through the rest of Psalm 37. Look for and list all the traits of the Lord mentioned in the chapter.
The word though implies we are not exempt from falling. Have you “fallen” lately? Can you see the Lord’s hand upholding you? Share that with your family.
Looking back on your trip so far, what steps did/has the Lord established for you?