A Valiant Man – Psalms 37:23-24 – Devotional

Psa 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

There are different words used for in the Scriptures for man. Some refer to the human race as a whole, some to the sex in particular. Others to a specific kind of man. Such is the case here.

The original Hebrew for ‘good man’ comes from a word that means ‘a valiant man/warrior’.

It has long fascinated me that the man of Psalms falls. In fact, in Proverbs 24:16, it speaks of the just who fall seven times, or simply put, they fall perfectly, yet they get back up. Or in another sentence, the just are at times a perfect failure, but they don’t stay there.

What makes them just? Certainly not their own merit. All have fallen and need redemption save for the Messiah. What makes them just is they are doing righteousness, and trying to live in accordance with God’s righteousness. God promises in Hosea 10:12 that if we will prepare our hearts and DO righteousness, then He will come and make us righteous (check out the original Hebrew for words used for righteous in Hosea)

Anyhow, that was a slight detour to come back to Psalms 37 and the valiant man. Who is this valiant man? Anyone who wants to live right, and is prepared to fight to do right. It’s not a passive wish. They make war to do right there is a force and power in their actions.

Why does God delight in them? Because they want to be right! It’s the secret to Jacob becoming Israel. These are the people for whom God scours the earth (2Ch 16:9)

That brings with it a promise: if a valiant warrior falls, the Lord will pick them back up, because He delights in his way!

You need to get a hold of that heart that wants to be right with God. It’s the greatest need of the world, of the church, of every individual. You need to be right with God. You have to want it, and act on it every time the opportunity presents itself.

If you can get that attitude. If you make this steps in that direction, God has written in His Word that if and when you fall, He will pick you back up!

You need to get the spirit of the warrior in you! The desire to fight to be right with God. Whatever you need to do, it’s worth it in the end.

I particularly remember this passage in reohrasing it to bring to light what the Psalmist says. I reproduce what I have written on my wall at home (look into the original words, context to see where it comes from/why it’s phrased that way)

The steps of a strong & fighting man are secured by the Existing One and in his journey, He is pleased. Even when he has fallen down, he shall not be cast away, for the Existing One shall prop him up with His limitless power.

There is much more to say on this verse, be it idea that God still loves us when we fall, that it’s Him holding onto us, not the other way around. The idea of the Messiah being the right hand of God. Perhaos one day I shall write more.

Till then, fight to make things right. Be valiant.

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