Slip ‘n slides… They provided swift and energetic water rides for me and my friends 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, more neighbor kids would hear us, and they would slide with us down the slippery slope. It’s easy to slide downhill, however, trying to reverse course is next to impossible after reaching the mid-point because momentum kicks in.

I relate this to childhood memory to our struggle to reverse course from sin. Perhaps you can relate. Is it possible for me to avoid sin’s slippery slope? Unlike my childhood slip ‘n slide memory, we can reverse course. God’s Word promises us He will help us. Psalm 37:23a gives us hope that we can ask God to daily guide our steps. I need this verse because I make mistakes often, so I’m guessing you need this assurance as well.

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

~Psalm 37:23a KJV

But what if we are past the mid-point, traveling at breakneck speed? God helps us off the slip ‘n slide even then. Just as my dad was willing to scoop participants off the slide, positioning himself as the catcher at all points, our heavenly Daddy is willing to rescue us at any point.  No matter where we are on the slip ‘n slide of life, we can reach out to God for help. Because of this, we can avoid falling.

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. As we read our Bibles, His gentle instruction becomes the refuge we need to rise again.

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

~Psalm 37:31 KJV

When does God’s help come? All we need to do is to cry out and He is there. Sometimes God rescues us even before we cry out to Him, for He is full of mercy and He has extended His unfailing love before we ever loved Him. What God is looking for is a willing heart, wanting His help, and ready to accept God’s loving care.

At the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee.

~Isaiah 30:19a KJV

What is the key to unlocking this mystery? Psalm 37:37 KJV reads, “Mark the perfect man…” This is a curious word usage until we realize the word “perfect” translates as, “gentle, or dear.” What we can understand here is that we are dear to our merciful God, and He perfects us when we are willing to yield to His loving inspection. He loves us just as we are, but as we spend time in His presence, we gain a heavenly perspective, peace, and a restored vision.

Friend, whether you are newly saved, at a mid-point in your spiritual journey, or you’ve journeyed with God for a long time, and whether you’re on the sidelines of the slide, on the slippery slope, or you’ve fallen, our loving God extends forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. When you find yourself on the slip ‘n slide of life, turn to God whose love endures any trial.

Are you sliding towards or away from God?

Father God, thank You for helping me navigate the slippery slopes of life. I place my life in Your loving care. Direct and guide every step I take, and rescue me when I err.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

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

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

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