09202019 Hand to the Fallen

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our sustaining God. Life is sometimes very difficult and throws obstacles in our paths that we did not expect and that we seem incapable of handling. God is the one who helps us through.

In the difficult times, I am thankful for verses like these. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).

First of all, though we don't always recognize it and don't always like to admit it, our steps are ordered by God. They are set up, appointed, ordained, prepared, established by God. It sure doesn't seem that way sometimes. We may wonder why in the world God chose the path He chose and how He can ever get it to go somewhere profitable, but He can, and He does have a plan. So it is encouraging to know that this path did not surprise God, nor does it fall outside of His purposes.

Even though it isn't a pleasant thought, I'm glad this verse also acknowledges that sometimes we do fall. Falling doesn't make us unusual or noteworthy. The fall might mean sin and wrong choices, but I think it more likely refers to stumbling on a path that our feet can't handle. The trail is too steep, or too muddy, or too rocky, or too slippery. Maybe it is too dark. It might even be in a storm or earthquake or in the middle of an icy winter. When those conditions exist, it is not surprising that we frail humans would fall. It would be more surprising if we never did.

When we walk with God, however, falling is not the end. When we fall, we don't die. We don't remain prostrate on the path for the rest of time. We don't roll off into the ditch, never to recover. The falling is temporary, just like a child learning to walk. They get back up, and so do we. We are not utterly cast down, left in defeat and ruin. Actually unless someone has broken a bone or has simply pushed his body to the point of collapse, the time on the ground is usually very short.

There are times, though, when we do picture ourselves even at that extreme - as having broken bones, or visualize that after running a marathon, there is simply no energy left. Even if the fall is that severe, we still have hope. Our hope lies in the fact that God Himself gives His hand to help us back up. The meaning of the word "uphold" is that God allows us to lean hard on Him for support or that He actually takes hold of us to sustain us.

I used to hear people talk about God holding their hand, and I thought they were sappy sentimentalists who were trying to make God personal and loving. Over time I have learned more and more about how personal and loving God actually is. He is not detached, aloof, or disinterested. He cares. I thought that God holding one's hand was invented by shallow Christians who wanted emotion and experience. Then I found this verse and other verses that actually say He does it.

What a precious truth this is, that we who are so weak and who so easily fall, have a loving God who sustains and helps us in the difficulty. He holds our hand specifically when we need it the most, when we are on a difficult path, and when we have fallen. He doesn't abandon us or leave us to fight our own way out of the muddy pit.

This truth is encouraging to those who are struggling to walk, who feel in danger of falling. It is eminently comforting to those who have actually fallen. If you are on rough terrain, take His hand. Lean on Him. Accept the help and support of the one who has designed the path and can help you walk it. If you have fallen and are discouraged and defeated, cling to His hand. Feel His love. Let Him strengthen you, lift and restore you. He can put your feet back on the path again, and He can support you while you continue your current path and even more challenging paths that might come later.

"When my way seems so dim and unclear,/ Jesus, I’m glad I know you are near./ Weary and worn from this life I live. I long for the peace that You give.

Jesus, through You I’ve the power to stand,/ You gave the promise that You’d hold my hand./ Trusting Your Word, to You I will cling./ Praise God for the peace that You bring.

Peace in the midst of my storm,/ Peace in the midst of my storm./ Draw me close to Thyself, Oh Lord;/ And give me peace in the midst of my storm."

In whatever storm or whatever path you find yourself this week, may you be acutely aware of God's presence, peace, and sustaining hand. He loves you so much!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com