Walking down our driveway carelessly can upset the unwary. The loose gravel makes unplanned sliding very easy. More than once someone’s slide and potential fall has been restrained by a clasped, steadying, supporting hand.

In life, we have plenty of opportunities to slide — into sin, into discouragement, into depression, into bitterness, into self-pity, into carnality.

Down, down, crash! Ouch!

Or else we can experience this:

“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide” (Psalm 26:1).

When I trust in the Lord, He steadies and supports me, especially over the rough and treacherous spots.

When I lean on Him, when I hang on to Him, when I keep my hand in His, when I stay close to Him, when I trust in Him — that’s when I do not slide.

“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4).

By making that request, I’m expressing a commitment to live by His ways and walk in His paths.

Otherwise, why should He show me and teach me?

And why would I lightly make such a request from God Himself?

So, yes, I will open my eyes so that I may see His ways when He shows them to me.

And yes, I will learn His paths when He teaches them to me.

And yes, I will live by His ways and walk in His paths.

Those are my commitments, so help me, God.