Psalms 37:23

Psalm 37 is closely connected with the display of God's direct government in this world. He will make that good when the meek inherit the land and the wicked are cut off... God has not yet displayed that government openly. No doubt evil will press harder just before He puts it down. Even now, though, it is the time of patience, and the evil is there.

Though Romans 3:12 tells us, "no one does good, not even one," here in Psalm 37:23 we read that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Romans states that no one can be called good in an absolute sense. This psalm looks at those who are comparatively good — those who seek to honour the Lord in their ways. When this is so, the Lord will order their steps and protect them from harm. Such a person will delight in the Lord's way.

Next we have the steps of a man. The word used (gebher, as in Psalm 34:8) implies strength. His firm and prosperous steps are "established of Jehovah." They get their strength from Him. "And He delights in his way" — a way so blessed and strengthened. So if such a man falls, he will not be completely cast down. Jehovah holds up the hand that he lifts to Him.

In this wilderness, in the middle of confusion and wickedness, there is no way. Yet our Father directs our steps. This is a vast and precious blessing. A young Christian, full of zeal, may not see the value of this. But how many experiences will he pass through? Once someone has seen the world and its traps — what a pathless wilderness of evil it is — the Lord's directing of our steps is beyond all price. The humble young Christian is also led by grace, if he waits on the Lord. He may not see the wisdom of it, or how great the privilege and mercy are, until later.

Note that there is no way but Christ. Adam did not need a way; he had to remain, enjoying God's goodness, where he was. In a sinful world there is no way; all is confusion and sin. But Christ Himself was in the world in a way that answered to God. As He passed through it, He showed divine life and its path through the world, while not being of it... This is our path. We have to follow His steps, and He is the way to the Father, and it is to Him we are going. It is an immense privilege that the Lord orders our steps, guarding us from evil and guiding us. And He delights in our way.

Someone may reply that we cannot expect to find a text of Scripture to guide our movements, or the thousand little details of daily life. Perhaps not. But Scripture lays down certain great principles. Applied rightly, they give divine guidance even where we find no particular text... "The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord." "He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." "I will counsel you with my eye upon you." He can make His mind known to us about this or that particular act or movement... We should never move or act in uncertainty. If we are not sure, let us be quiet and wait... If we are humble and distrust ourselves, and if we wait on God with an honest heart, He will surely guide us. But it will never do to ask God for counsel in a matter where our mind is already made up, or our will is at work.