Step by Step
The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
–Psalm 37:23-24
One foot in front of the other is how spiritual formation progresses. One step at a time, one day at a time, you need to cultivate biblical spiritual practices. Read and meditate on God’s word today. Be still before the Lord today. Give the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving today. Spend time in prayer today. Do an act of service today.
Patience and perseverance are required. You are not transformed over night, but over a lifetime. Step by step you are becoming more Christlike when you lay down your own will, your own way of doing things, and in obedience you follow the path he has set before you. It isn’t always comfortable and it certainly isn’t easy; but press on and you will grow. And you will change.
This is the walk of faith—moving forward, ever maturing, despite what you feel. Emotions are deceptive. Reject feelings of discouragement, unworthiness, failure. Look ahead with eyes of faith, believing in the things you cannot see, things hoped for, things promised. And stay the course.
Along the way you will make mistakes. You will stumble. But do not despair! You will not fall. The Lord upholds you with his hand. He is your salvation. He is your redeemer. He is with you and he is for you. Delight in him and he will make your steps firm.
Scripture is from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.