Godliness #4 — Sustained Godliness

The Eternal kills and makes alive; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Eternal makes poor and rich; he brings low, he also exalts. … He keeps the feet of his godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:6-7, 9

Solomon echoes Hanna’s prayer two generations later, saying: “God is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of the just; and he preserves the way of his godly ones.” We need this promise, made by the all-powerful, all-sovereign, and eternally self-sufficient God, because the rocks and roots we often encounter along the path of life make it difficult to tell if we are still following the way we should go. And we need this promise so that when we do manage to stay on the path, we don’t boast in our ambulatory ability. Once we commit ourselves to follow Jesus, we can be assured that he will guide us on our way. He even brings others along the same path who will steer us correctly. We will hear a word behind us, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever we start to turn to the right or to the left. The Lord also “knows how to rescue the godly from trial;” and he does it.

Covenant Lord, I rest in your promise to provide a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Open my ears to hear whatever form your direction takes. Lead me in the everlasting way to glory. Amen.