Slip ‘n slides… They provided swift and energetic water rides 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 up me and my friends when we reached the side’s end, and we’d run towards my Mom ready for another go-round. We enjoyed sliding down the slippery slope.

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

~Psalm 37:23a KJV

It’s easy to slide downhill on a slip ‘n slide. However, trying to reverse course is next to impossible.

Is it possible for us to avoid sin’s slippery slope, and reverse course?  Unlike my childhood slip ‘n slide, we can reverse course. Psalm 37:23a reads, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23a KJV). This gives us hope that we can ask God to guide our steps. I need this verse because I make mistakes often.

But what if I’m past the mid-point, traveling at breakneck speed? God helps us 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 positioned himself as the catcher, our heavenly Daddy is willing to rescue us.  No matter where we are on the slip ‘n slide of life, we can with confidence reach out to God and He catches us.

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 we do fall?  Even then, our heavenly Father helps us to rise again. His gentle instruction becomes our refuge. 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

Friend, take hope that wherever we are in our journey with God, He extends forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. When we find ourselves needing a rescue from the slip ‘n slide of life, we can turn to God. His love is constant, and He wants to rescue His children.

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

In Jesus’ name, amen.

 Genre: Creative non-fiction

Copyright 2017: Slip ‘n Slides: VineWords: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: Summer 2017: The Secret Place Devotional Magazine: Editors M. Ingrid and Wayne E. Dvirnak: Judson Press

Published: November 5, 2019: Christian Devotions Ministries: Managing Editor Martin Wiles: Executive Editor Cindy Sproles