Slip ‘n slides… They provided swift and energetic water rides for my sister and me during childhood. Mom would sprinkle a few drops of dish soap onto our plastic slide, hook up the hose, and away we’d go. Dad would swoop us up at the other side, and we’d run towards Mom, ready for another go-round. Soon, neighbor kids would hear us, and they would slide with us down the slippery slope.

It’s easy to slide downhill on a slip ‘n slide. However, trying to reverse course is difficult, and next to impossible after reaching the mid-point because momentum kicks in. I relate this to my struggle to reverse course in the spiritual realm. Is it possible for me to avoid sin’s slippery slope?  Unlike my childhood slip ‘n slide, I can reverse course. Psalm 37:23a reads, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. (Psalm 37:23a KJV)” This gives me hope that I can ask God to daily guide my steps. I need this verse because I make mistakes often.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.

Psalm 37:23a KJV

But what if I’m past the mid-point, traveling at breakneck speed? God helps me off the slip ‘n slide even then. Psalm 37:24 reads, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (Psalm 37:24 KJV)” Just as my dad was willing to scoop participants off the slide, positioning himself as the catcher at all points, my heavenly Daddy is willing to rescue me at any point.  No matter where I am on the slip ‘n slide of life, I can reach out to God and He helps me.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:24 KJV

But what if I do fall?  Even then, my heavenly Father helps me to rise. As I read my Bible, His gentle instruction becomes my refuge and I rise again. Psalm 37: 31 reads, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. (Psalm 37: 31 KJV)”

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37: 31 KJV

Whether I’m newly saved, at a mid-point, or I’ve journeyed with God for a long time, and whether I’m on the sidelines of the slide, on the slippery slope, or I’ve fallen, my God extends forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. So, when I find myself on the slip ‘n slide of life, I can turn to God whose love is constant.

Father God, thank You for helping me navigate the slippery slopes of life.

 Slip ‘n Slides is a testimony based on real life events.

Copyright © 2017: All Rights Reserved: Slip ‘n Slides: VineWords: Author Diane Virginia Cunio; Pen Name, Diane Virginia: Slip ‘n Slides: http://www.vinewords.net/slip-n-slides/3-min

Published: Summer, 2017: The Secret Place Devotional Magazine: Editors M. Ingrid and Wayne E. Dvirnak: Judson Press: http://www.judsonpress.com

Published: November 5, 2019: Christian Devotions Ministries: Managing Editor Martin Wiles: Executive Editor Cindy Sproles:  http://www.christiandevotions.us