Psalm 37:23-40
Sunday, 13 March 2022
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. -Psalm 37:23
One of the latest motivations to keep fit, is the step-tracker smart watch that has many a fitness freak attach it to their hands to count their daily steps. Harvard University Study has published a paper that says that this kind of fitness has resulted in lowering mortality rates. The love to live long and healthy has got many hooked on to this craze.
But it is interesting to note a contrast in today’s psalm. While the people in the world watch their step to stay trim and healthy, the psalmist records that the steps of a good [godly] man are ordered by God and his ways bring Him delight.
Even as we take time to exercise and stay fit, can we each ask this question: Is God the one directing the steps of my life? If it is so, is my walk pleasing to Him?
Here are 3 of the many steps that the psalmist has highlighted that define a good [godly] man.
STEP 1 - Merciful in nature (V.26)
When Jesus sat at the feast in Matthew’s house along with tax collectors and sinners , He was condemned for this act to which Jesus answered “I desire mercy not sacrifices.” (Matt 9:10) He expects us to show mercy the way God has shown us. Though the psalmist here is focusing on being generous in giving, how large hearted are we in showing mercy to those who have wronged us? A godly man will always be one who does not keep a record of wrongs.
STEP 2 -Wise in Speech (V.30)
James 1:26 says “If you claim to be religious and don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.” One of the things that Jesus detested about the Pharisees was their hypocrisy. There was no truth in their words. They did all the right things ceremonially but their walk and talk did not match! Jesus said in Matthew 12:35: “A good person produces good deed and good words season after season.” (The Msg) The only way good can be brought out of each of us is when we draw deeply from God. And what is that we need form God? As Solomon prayed; Wisdom to live right. James states how this wisdom from God looks like –pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). All these qualities is the very nature of God. If this is the wisdom we possess, we are sure to display it through our words.
STEP 3- Committed to The Word (V.31)
A godly man’s heart’s desire is to do the will of God. This can be possible only if he has the law of God written in his heart. When Joshua was asked to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land, God had only one main commandment given to him: to not let the book of the law depart from his mouth, but to meditate on it day and night so that he would be careful to do everything written in it. [Paraphrased] The more we know the word the more we know the heart of God. This will keep us rooted on firm ground and guard us from being tossed around by every wind of new teaching nor be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like truth . (Eph. 4:14 NLT)
If these above stated steps are taken by a godly man, then here’s what God will do for him.
Vs 24- God will hold the godly when he stumbles thus protecting him from a fall.
Vs 25 – God will never abandon the godly man and his children.
Vs 39- The Lord will rescue the godly in times of trouble.
God will never go back on His word, so may we be people who will constantly allow Him to direct our way and seek His advice before we step out.
Quote for the Day: “Smart men walked on the moon, daring men walked on the ocean floor, but wise men walk with God.” -Leonard Ravenhill
Listen: ‘Step by Step you will lead me’
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