Watch that First Step

Stephen Tobolowsky is a veteran actor who has appeared in several well-known movies over the years. His role in the movies is usually a behind the scenes character that has limited lines or a limited role. Yet I quote him all the time from one movie.  In the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, there is a scene where Murray takes a bad step.  While stepping from sidewalk to street, he doesn’t realize he is stepping into a huge pothole filled with water. After plunging his right leg into the pothole, Tobolowsky's character of Ned Ryerson says, “Watch out for that first step, it’s a doozy.”

This past weekend I have found myself saying that to others who were brave enough to walk on the icy ground.  Each of us, no matter our age, slowed down a little bit to make sure of our footing.  If you have ever taken a tumble on the ice, you will always remember it’s a doozy!  All it takes is one fall and from then on you will carefully guard your steps.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24.  Throughout the Bible we often find reminders of guarding our steps. This passage from Psalm 37 is intriguing to me because it gives us a plan, a purpose and a back-up plan.  First it tells us that a good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord.  It is a reminder when we walk with the Lord, then He guides our steps.  I am reminded of the passage that says, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. God has a plan for our steps daily.  Second, I find a purpose in that a good man finds delight in walking in God’s way. His purpose for our journey is more delightful than anything else I could think up.  Once again, God wants to bring delight to His people, He is not a kill joy God as some make Him out to be.  His purpose in our life brings a delight like no other.  Finally, in this passage, we find the back-up plan.  That is when you and I walk with God daily, even when our footing slips and we fall, we are reminded the Lord is holding us up. You may be that person that will over analyze, and you are always thinking the worst.  You are wondering what if I were to fall?  God is our safety net and then some. When we walk daily with God, our steps are planned out, there is a purpose in our steps and there is a safety net when we hit the ice.
 
We are to guard our steps as believers and the best place to start is in His Word. It’s referred to as a light and a lamp. A reminder that it not only guards our next step but future steps as well. The more we cling to His Word the more we discover who is holding us in those icy situations.

Life can be tricky at times.  Unexpected potholes filled with water are always close by. It is usually when we least expect it that we take that misstep in life because we let our guard down. Let me give you 5 different verses for the next 5 days to ponder.  Proverbs 20:24; Isaiah 30:21; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Psalm 25:4-5; and Proverbs 16:9. I encourage you to let these verses help guide your steps. This week as you rush back into the real life, I will give you a word of advice… “watch out for that first step, it’s a doozy!”