23 Our step are made firm by the Lord
when he delights in ou way;
24 though we stumble, w shall not fall headlong,
for the Lord holds us by the hand.
One of the things that my family enjoys doing at least a few times a year is going for hikes in the mountains. Although the kids of often grumble when we mention it and the first few steps of the trail, but by the time we get to the waterfall or the summit the complaints have been replaced with awe at God’s beauty in the world. When we sit down and reflect on a trip, inevitably the best memories that we all share are the views that we get to see on our hikes.
What we often forget about are the tricky steps in our hiking. For those of you who have braved trails in our world, there are often a few steps whether walking across a creek or over some debris where your footing might be in question. You take your toes and test the ground to make sure that it is firm enough to hold your weight before moving forward. The last thing you want to do in the middle of the wilderness is to risk a fall or a twisted ankle because of soft ground or a slippery rock.
If we think of our lives as sort of a spiritual hike, the scripture for today reminds us that our steps are made firm because of God. Not only does God help us find solid footing, God delights in our journey and holds us from falling on our faces. Even though we may trip and stumble, God holds us by the hand.
Prayer
Great God of majesty, we thank you for helping our journey be made firm. Thank you for how you guide us, hold our hands, and delight in our path. Help us to see the beauty of this world and delight in your presence in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.