SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1309

“Steady Steps”

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133

The original word translated as ‘keep steady’ in the ESV also carries the meaning of ‘direct’, ‘guide’, ‘order’, and ‘establish’. The word translated as ‘promise’ also carries the meaning of ‘commandment’ ‘speech’, or ‘word’. Other translations use a combination of these words.

The essence of the prayer in this Psalm is for God to help us maintain the integrity of our walk with Him in accordance with the Truth of His Word. It is His promise to us. In addition, we pray to be delivered from the ever present evil that our flesh is prone to be dominated by.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake… – Psalm 23:3-4

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; – Psalm 31:3

Steady Steps are unwavering. In faith we stay focused on God’s direction and guidance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Isaiah 30:21

Steady Steps are secure and sure footed regardless of the difficult terrain we must walk.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. – Habakkuk 3:19

My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. – Proverbs 3:21-23

Steady Steps remain on the narrow path of righteousness and no sin will dominate you.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. – Romans 6:12

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! – Psalm 19:13

My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. – Psalm 17:5

Steady Steps remain on a well-lit path, avoiding the shadows and darkness in this world.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… – John 16:13

Steady Steps abide in the presence of Jesus, walking in a personal relationship with Him.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Steady Steps are balanced. We are not easily tripped up by false doctrines.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Psalm 119:133 is a prayer for sanctification. Our transformation must be a sanctification of our hearts, minds, and behaviors in accordance with the Living Word of God. Only the pure, unaltered, unchanging. undiluted Truth of the Living Word of God can steady our steps.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. – Isaiah 40:8

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

May your steps be steady as you walk in the light of His presence continually.