March 15, 2020 -- Psalm 119:133 -- Steadied by the promises of God

Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

Psalm 119:133 English Standard Version

Living out here in Moncton for our first winter has been an interesting challenge. The winter has had far more snow than we’re used to getting in South-Western Ontario winters. Even though the local tells us this is a mild winter! Yesterday the temperature climbed well above zero and I couldn’t resist taking a nice walk. There were places where the snowmelt had gathered into puddles and pools at the side of the road. It was easy and obvious to avoid those. What was far more difficult to avoid were the unexpected patches of black ice. There’d be a thin, almost indiscernible change of the black top of the road and suddenly my feet were sliding and slipping.

Sin can be like that. It can be obvious puddles of water, seeming to be innocent almost inviting one to stomp in them, but at the bottom there is treacherous ice. And sin can be like the unexpected black ice making even the most cautious person begin to slide. The promises of God are what steady us.

We read of Jesus Christ, Who through His whole life, was constantly negotiating slippery conversations and meeting with people who intended to slip Him up by their words and questions. He always walked with His gaze fixed on His Father in heaven and His heart steady because He was directed by the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

When we walk according to the promises of God, we have before us the mirror of our God’s faithfulness. We are assured of His great lovingkindness which provides everything we need for godliness. The Word of God is that mirror, showing us our need for God’s steadying hand, His perfections and His course correction in our life. The Word of God is also a shield. We are protected by this shield when the world is going into panic mode; the Word of God will constantly remind us that the Sovereign Ruler of Heaven and Earth has all things under His watchful care. Jesus, His Son, is directing His Church and defeating enemies on all sides until one day even death itself shall be defeated. The Spirit of God is gathering the community of believers out from among the people of this world. No matter the machinations of this world, the Holy God—Father, Son and Spirit—know the end from the start. The Most High God will accomplish His purposes, steadying the feet of all who call on Him.

King of kings and LORD of Lords blessed are You and glorious in all Your ways. We thank You for the steadying work of Your Word and Spirit. We thank You, Triune God, for setting our feet on the Rock that is Jesus Christ. We thank You, Spirit of God, for Your work of bringing to Jesus men and women from every tribe and nation, language and tongue. We bless You, Spirit of God, for the peace of Christ You bring to believers in these days where so many are panicking. We pray for those who are suffering most severely in these times of restrictions—we think especially of those in nursing homes and prisons, those in palliative care and hospitals who are denied visitors in these unsteady times. We pray for chaplains who still have the opportunity to visit, that they may bring hope and peace in the powerful Name of Jesus, our King. Amen.