Walking the Paths of Righteousness By Ann Broughton

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand”

(Psalm 37: 23-24 NIV).

    Have you ever stumbled in your Christian walk?  Did you give in to temptation?  Did you repent right away or did you continue to stumble along in the darkness?  None of us are perfect and it is inevitable that we stumble and sin, but if we walk with the Lord, He will convict us of our sins so that we can get back on the right path.

    My husband and I like to hike by the Maumee river. I love to stare up at the trees and watch the clouds float by. Now if I try this on my own I have a tendency to stumble over roots. One time I even fell. But if I put my hand around Rick’s arm, he guides me around obstacles so I won’t fall down. I blissfully stare up at the leaves and clouds, not worried because he is guiding me down the path. If I stumble a little he holds me up so I won’t fall. I know I am safe in his hands because he loves me and would never let me get hurt.

    My Father in heaven is my guide as I walk along the paths of righteousness, especially when I give Him the control of my life. When I wander and do my own will, I find myself falling down and feeling sad because I sinned. But then my Savior reaches out His hand to me as I repent and shows me mercy. One of my favorite verses is: “I lift my eyes to hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip” (Psalm 121: 1-3 NIV). If I trust God, pray, read the Bible, and try to live a life pleasing to Him, he will always be there for me, even when I stumble and sin.

    This week if you find yourself stumbling and sinning, make sure you repent immediately and ask God to help you walk in His way instead of the world’s way.

Dear Lord,

Please always be my guide in this life on earth. Catch me when I stumble and lead me back to the paths of righteousness. Thank you for loving me and showing me your grace and mercy when I fall.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen