This past summer my husband and I spent quality time together hiking in several state parks. We enjoyed the discovery of new trails and the natural beauty we experienced along the way. Several of these trails included steep steps to assist in the climb. While these steps are helpful in leading to the desired destination, they can also be challenging, as they are usually steep, not to mention numerous. In these instances when we felt winded and our calves needed a break, we paused for a moment to catch our breath before moving forward. Many times, as we ascended on steps such as I’ve described, the following passage of scripture resonated in my mind.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT)

This is indeed an inspiring passage to reflect upon when hiking and potentially tired, but far more significantly it is also an incredible spiritual reality to embrace as we walk through life. As I considered this, I realized that our journey on earth is essentially a series of steps, the majority of which are forward, at times appearing stagnant, and in other instances may even feel like a backward motion. Additionally, our steps may range from incredibly easy to extremely difficult. And while we may be tempted to opt out of stepping altogether to avoid steep inclines, challenging treks and arduous climbs, this is unfortunately not an option. The reality is stepping is a requirement for all desiring positive forward motion in life and is a prerequisite for finishing strong. But the good news is we are not alone, nor are we in charge of our steps. Contained within these two verses that I’ve shared, are what I perceive to be four spiritual truths we can stand on regarding our walk with God as we journey through life.

Truth number one: The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

As someone who is admittedly severely directionally challenged, I find this scripture to be so wonderfully freeing. Hallelujah, I am not the director of my steps. This is great news for me as I easily get lost, in need of rerouting. But I am also encouraged to realize that it is God Who has sovereignly designed my life map and lovingly directs the course of my journey. If we were honest, I think we would all agree that to some extent we are misled into believing that we control our destinies, but this is simply not true. The wonderful truth is that our loving Father Who formed and fashioned us, is behind the scenes of our lives continually overseeing and orchestrating every detail of our story.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Truth number two: He, (The Lord), delights in every detail of their, (our), lives.

One of the beautiful realities of the gospel is that the God of the universe not only saved us, and honestly that would have been far more than we deserve, but of far greater significance and incredible beauty is the fact that God truly loves us. He delights in us as dearly loved children. I can envision Him smiling when we laugh, treasuring our time alone with Him, and gazing at us with love as we worship Him. Our Father longs for us to know Him, love Him and walk closely with Him. He is compassionate and merciful towards us. He is the greatest, all in, hands on, amazing Father we could ever know, and the scripture declares He actually sings over us with joy!

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Truth number three: Though they, (we), stumble, they, (we) will never fall.

As we journey with God in our walk of faith, there will undoubtedly be times when we lose our footing and potentially slip. But even if we fall, it will only be temporary. And it is specifically during these times that we are blessed with the reality of God’s mercy, patience and compassion. He made us, and He understands full well that we are fragile and finite. He sympathizes with our weaknesses, but He doesn’t leave us there. Instead, He uses our failures to steady and strengthen us.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Jude 1:24 (NLT)

Truth number four: for the Lord holds them, (us), by the hand.

And finally, one of the most beloved and descriptive Names of God is that of Shepherd. Psalm 23 is a beautiful expressive song depicting the incredible care and love that Yahweh has for His people. Included in this psalm are lyrics portraying God as an intimate, ever present, personal Guide who leads, provides, restores, protects and pursues His sheep. The Lord is our loving Shepherd. We are not now, nor will we ever be alone!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I, (God), will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

In closing…

Through my recent hiking adventure, I was afforded the opportunity of realizing the similarities between physical and spiritual steps. And while I absolutely found this experience to be beneficial, providing a visual of scriptural truths, I am also fully aware of the vast difference between a one-day hike in the woods and a lifetime journey with God.

While hiking trails provide directional markers, information regarding the total distance of the journey, the level of difficulty of the path, landmarks along the way, and of course any grand vistas included at the summit, spiritual journeys are solely a matter of faith, with the only information provided being that God will be with us, lead us, and empower us to finish strong. And this is truly all we really need to know.

Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

For Reflection…

Read Psalm 37:23 & 24

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalms 37:23-24 (NLT)

• Underline key words and phrases that speak to you personally and note why.
• Consider rewriting these verses in your own words, making them personal.
• Close in a time of prayer, thanking God for His constant watch care and guidance over your life.