"But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."
- The Psalms are full of encouragement.
- The Psalmist is full of discouragement.
- The Psalms are full of praise.
- The Psalmist is full of fear
Why so many contradictions of emotion? Uh, because we are human. Some folks seem to lead happier lives than others but are they really happy or masking fear, discouragement or sadness?
First, we must understand the meaning of the word "Psalm."
- Webster's 1828 Dictionary states; "PSALM, as a noun is a sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God. We have a collection of one hundred and fifty chapters in this book of the Old Testament.
- Strong's Concordance Hebrew #4210 explains that a Psalm "is a poem set to notes."
If you've read this far then you will conclude simply, Psalm may be another word for song.
When do you sing? Most folks would agree that one sings when one is happy. To further illustrate; children often even "skip" when they are happy or excited. When children are sad, sometimes they will still sing to encourage themselves or lift fear that may be in their little souls.
So, why in the middle of all the conflicting emotions in a believers life did the Psalmist say, my steps had well nigh slipped? The heart of this blogger feels compelled to examine the "why" in this matter.
The Psalmist says that he was "envious at the foolish...when he saw (their) prosperity." (v3)
Still the question remains - How did he get to this point after "singing" Psalm 23?
In verse 17 a light begins to dawn, when he went into the sanctuary of God, THEN he understood. Is the sanctuary merely a building or something much more intimate?
In verses 24-28, the writer reminds himself of Whom he is to trust and lean on. The sanctuary would be that "inner place" with the Lord.
Still, "where did he slip?"
Psalm 72.20 says the prayers...are ended. These words caused this believer to ask,
- "have my prayers ended?"
- "Do I pray woodenly, routinely and of duty?"
- "Where did I slip in my prayer life?"
Many things take our time and attention in daily life. Certainly, daily routines like eating, bathing, exercise (which profiteth little, I Tim 4.8) and jobs are necessary but should never be our focus. We are told in I Thes 5.17 to pray without ceasing, which is doable at every activity in daily routines as well as time set aside for just this purpose.
Once again, back to the Psalms for why we are to call on God at all times.
- repentance, Ps 51.1-12
- protection, Ps 91.14
- guidance and deliverance, Ps 143.1-12
- upon waking each day, Ps 5.1-3
- trust always, Ps 25.1-2
- thanksgiving, Ps 103.1-2
These verses demonstrate a range of emotions, from deep despair to confident praise, suitable for daily prayer. Back to our question, where did I/he slip? Where did his/my feet go?
Quite simply, he/I quit praying.
There was a time in this bloggers life that a prayer closet was entered, words came, then whatever burden on the heart was laid at His feet, then peace. The peace came from just knowing the Lord heard my cry. Whether the burden was taken out of my life or not, I understood and sensed He loved me and would be with me every step of the way.
To make this a bit more personal, where did my feet slip? The burden on the words are clear, "I quit praying as before. I entertained my heart and mind with vanity. (Eccl 1.2) No need to explain here, you know what your problem area is. If you know to do good and don't...it is sin!(Jms 4.17)
Forgiveness has been requested at the Throne. Mercy is granted. My feet have been settled back on solid ground (Ps 61.2).
My prayer is the same for anyone who reads these words.
God bless and keep you is my prayer
