“My foot stands in an even place . . .” Psalm 26:12
“Watch those roots,” Dick cautioned.
“Be careful! These rocks are slippery,” I yelped, flailing
my arms to regain my balance.
“Look out for the loose shale,” Dick warned, grabbing onto a
tree to stop his too-rapid descent.
Dick and I had seen the sign at the trailhead but never
dreamed the ENTIRE path would be so difficult! After all, the sign said, “Sections of this trail are steep and
rugged.” I would call that an understatement.
Every little bit we stopped to catch our breath, looked for
the next trail marker, and wondered if the ground would EVER level off and
smooth out. We finally reached the top, only to discover the pathway immediately
began a descent that was as every bit as “steep and rugged” as the climb! Looking
back I could really relate to David’s joy at finding he was standing in and “even
place”! (Psalm 26:12)
We all face times in our lives that seem to be “uphill both
ways”, as my Dad jokingly used to put it. We overcome one challenge and another
obstacle crops up in our path—a health problem is resolved only to be replaced
by conflict at work; the car goes on the fritz just as the final payment is
made; a rebellious child comes to her senses (Praise God!) and an elderly
parent becomes unwisely stubborn about accepting help. (Lord, have mercy!) We
wonder if life will ever level off or smooth out.
I am not sure what trials David was currently facing when he
wrote Psalm 26, but he resolutely declares that his “foot” stands firm, on
level ground. When we walk through life’s “gnarled roots”, “slippery rocks”,
and “loose stones” without Jesus, we will undoubtedly stumble and fall.
Thankfully, Jesus leads the way and offers us a helping hand
to hang on to. David’s words reveal the state of mind that should characterize
each of us who claims to be a follower of Jesus—the humble, yet confident
assurance that our feet WILL stand in an even place.
Be encouraged!
Pam
