The Steps Of A Good Man

by Pastor Mark
February 10, 2022

 

Ordered by the Lord

It is always exciting when you learn something deeper from a familiar verse such as Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” What we learnt from Morning Worship (6 February 2022) was new, enlightening and uplifting. The steps that are ordered by the Lord should be seen as a concept and it reveals that some steps in our life are not planned by us. The Lord ordered these steps, which may be difficult and we may be uncertain about them. Nevertheless, they are steps that we must take and overcome. It is amazing to see how this concept can help us understand our lives more deeply. What are some uplifting thoughts that we want to appreciate about this concept?

1. A profound concept

a. This is not an easy concept to understand. It is a most profound concept to comprehend.
b. It reveals that what David experienced, such as facing Goliath, running from Saul, facing near-death experiences and more, were part of what God had ordered in his life, which is amazing.
c. Not everything of this concept can be explained or understood.
d. Let us appreciate how profound this concept is.

2. The plans of God

The steps of a good man are ordered by the plans of God.

a. Planned according to the Word of God

God directs the steps of a good man according to His Word (Psalm 119:133). As we know His Word, we are guided to understand how to walk in righteousness. This stands in contrast to the ways of the wicked that are not ordered by the Lord. God’s Word helps us to be certain of the plans of God and the steps that we should take.

b. Planned according to the will of God

There are also steps that are ordered by God that are uncertain to us. These steps may include facing problems, perils and persecutions. The Lord leads us into these difficult challenges according to His will…what He has planned. There may be uncertainties and a lack of understanding. Our challenge is to see these steps as ordered by God’s will.

3. Purpose

a. The Apostle Paul revealed that all these steps (things) have a purpose (Romans 8:28).
b. Lessons are meant to be learnt through these challenges.
c. It is wise for us not to fret but to trust in the Lord’s purpose.
d. There are times when we must wait on the Lord to see His purpose.

4. The practice of righteousness

a. It takes righteousness to understand this concept.
b. Only the meek would have the composure to understand (Psalm 37:11).
c. When we practise righteousness, we will discover the righteous ways of God.

5. Provision for missteps

a. There will be times when missteps will happen and we will fall (Psalm 37:24).
b. The challenge is for us not to be cast down and in despair.
c. Our encouragement is that the Lord will bring an uplift and uphold us with His hand.

Let us be challenged to pray for the Lord to direct our steps according to His Word. Let us exercise our faith to trust the Lord to order our lives according to His plans.

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