Read Psalm 25-26
The title of this devotional is taken from the 1970's song by Paul Simon. The song tells the story of three different individuals who drifted away from the dreams they had for their lives. Their dreams went "Slip Slidin' Away". It's interesting that a catchy song would have such a sad message to it. And I would add, an unbiblical message. Towards the end of the song it says "God only knows. God makes his plan. The information's unavailable. To the mortal man, we work our jobs, collect our pay. Believe we're gliding down the highway. When in fact we're slip slidin' away."
It is true there are things about God's plan we don't understand, and won't this side of heaven. The truth is that we can know God and when we're following after Him He oftentimes makes His plans known to us. When we commit our ways to Him we are on a firm ground, not a slippery one. Ironically, minutes before I started writing this devotional, one of my sons totally wiped out on the ice outside. Being the compassionate dad I am, I laughed really hard. I'm sure all of us at some point have fallen on ice or something wet and slippery. When we choose to do our own thing, that's what can happen with our lives. But in these two psalms, David makes it clear that he wants God's will, he wants God's help.
And this is how he ends the 26th Psalm, "My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD." What a great promise for our lives. Seek God and our future is secure. The wording of that verse reminds me of the words of Jesus at the end of the Beatitudes. In Matthew 7:24-25 Jesus says, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
One of the best ways to walk securely is to not just listen to the Word of God but to apply it to life. It makes our decisions secure, our relationships secure, our faith secure. God's Word gives us the direction for life, it gives us advice on our relationships. And when we read it and then, like David, cry out to God to lead us and deliver us, there's nothing life can bring your way that will cause you to stumble. The rains can fall, the floods come, and the winds blow, but we won't fall!
Are there areas of life you feel like you're stumbling in? Bring it to God today and read these psalms to God as a prayer of faith.
Let's try something different today. Take a few minutes and write out your own psalm (song of prayer/praise to God). Make that psalm your prayer for the week.
Prayer for the day: "Thank you God that my life is secure in you. Thank you that you care about the things that cause me to stress and worry. Helping me to choose your will over mine. I am so blessed to have you as my Abba Father. Amen."