Psalms 17:5
The scripture for today is Psalms 17:5
Psalms 17:5 Hold up my steps in your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.
In the previous verse king David wrote, “Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4
It is not possible to walk in God's ways without His assistance. Therefore, our need for prayer is constant. The psalmist recognizes his need and prays to God to uphold him and not let him slip.
God’s Word shows us how to walk, but it is His Spirit that enables us to do the walking. If we are to walk in God’s paths and live in loving obedience to His will, we must, like David, seek His help for every step we take. Knowing the Word is necessary, but it is not enough alone. Not following the sinful crowd is good, but alone, it is not enough. David said that he kept himself from the path of the destroyer, yet he cried out to God to “hold my steps in your path.” We may think that we are doing well because we don’t engage in gross sin, but God wants more than that. His desire is for us to present a positive witness to the world. It is not only what we do not do, what we do is what matters most. That is the area where we, like David, need God’s help. The good news is that God is more willing to answer our prayers for help than we are willing to offer them. Without Him we can do nothing; we need His help to follow His path. “Uphold me according unto your word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto your statutes continually.” Psalms 119:116-117
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim