There are occasions on the spiritual path chosen for us, when we will slip and fall. In the well known 23rd Psalm, we’re told, “He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths, for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:1-2). There are over 20 references to a path in the Psalms. “You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Ps 16:11). In Psalm 18:36, we are given assurance, “You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” One the most intriguing is Psalm 77:19, “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” The path God provides is indeed secure.
But when I was meditating on Ps. 73, I became aware of how easy I can slip, if my focus is not on the Lord. “But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” The Message is blunt, “But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who had it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.” The Psalmist was slipping of the path. “The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I ‘ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me.” (vs 12-13).
Then in the presence of the Lord, the psalmist wakes up. “Then I saw the whole picture: The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crush in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster!” (Ps 73:18-19 MSG) He is transparent about his spiritual condition. “When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence (v21). But he was aware of God’s presence. “You’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.”
God was all he needed. As a man in the fourth quarter of his life, the words of verse 26 are reassuring, “When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.” As for those who are unfaithful. “Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.” In response to God mercy, the Psalmist after nearing slipping on the path of life, declares, “But I’m in the very presence of God – oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do! ( v 28).
Jeremiah gives us warning about those who are wicked. “‘I have seen their despicable acts right here in my temple,'” says the Lord. “Therefore the paths they take will become slippery. They will be chased through the dark, and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them at the time fixed for their punishment.” (Jer. 23:12 NLT). May we not be caught on this slippery path.
God will be there when we seem to be slipping. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (Ps 55:22 NLT). Knowing God has rescued us, we walk in the presence of the Lord. “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light” (Ps 56:13 NLT).
One friend emailed that there are others that are very sick, but we all stay in our rooms so as not to spread anything.
Recent Comments