You know how it is with a toddler who is first trying to walk. The mom and dad keep their hands nearby to steady the little guy. If he falls they are quick to pick him back up to try again. That’s how God is with us. “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:24)

Have you had a little fall lately? Has sin crept into your life and you are sitting on the ground, legs knocked out from under you? Maybe the sin took you by surprise; you didn’t know you had that particular thing in you anymore. Maybe your own stubbornness pulled you down into pure out and out rebellion.

Often it is our tendency when we sin to feel shame and guilt and maybe we even want to hide the sin and ourselves. Well, that’s not going to get us walking again. Beyond pointing us to what is wrong, guilt has no legitimate place in our life.

When we fall down, the first thing God wants to do is get us back up. Our part is to reach up by saying; “I’m sorry, Lord. Help me not to do that again.” God’s own strong hand is closer than we imagine. Whoosh! We are swept back up and planted firmly on both feet. He doesn’t want us to fall again. But He keeps His hand rested on our shoulder as we start forward — just in case.