Godliness #4—Sustained Godliness

Yahweh kills and preserves alive; he brings down to the grave and he raises up. Yahweh impoverishes and makes wealthy; he humbles and he exalts. He will watch over his godly ones, but the wicked he will silence in terror; for “it is not by might that a person prevails.” 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 that the all-powerful, sovereign, and eternally self-sufficient God has the ability and desire to help his people succeed. 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. So God’s supernatural support is necessary. And we need this promise so that when we do manage to stay on the path, we won’t boast of our ambulatory ability. It is right to rejoice in the abilities God has given us, but not to boast in them. 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.