Psalm 37:23 “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Does the Lord direct the steps of everyone? No, this scripture is very specific. He directs the steps of the godly. So what exactly does being godly look like? How can I be godly today?

A godly life is a life devoted to God. It’s rather easy to see a godly life in motion, you can point those people out, but isn’t it funny how no matter what you do, you never feel like a godly person. You know your flaws intimately. You live inside your brain that wanders and thinks ungodly thoughts. Have you disqualified yourself as godly and therefore disqualified yourself of God’s direction and care of the details of your life?

All God is asking for is your devotion. By definition, your devotion is your love, your loyalty and your excitement towards God. I believe you being here today and listening at this moment is a result of your devotion to God. That’s why we call this a devotional. This is the means by which you show your love, loyalty and excitement towards God. You are devoted to him. And it is your devotion that makes you godly, not your perfection. Not your holiness. Just your devotion.

Do devoted people screw up? BIG TIME! Do devoted people stumble? Abso-freaking-lutely. Do devoted people always find their way back? Yes, and here’s why – the Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. And this should give you tremendous confidence!

Understand, this is a holy exchange. Your devotion makes you godly and in return, God is directing your steps. He is guiding you. You are receiving the guidance of the one who knows the end from the beginning, the one who makes all things new and works all things together for good.

Today is just another step in the journey of living the life you were created for. Another step towards become the person you can be. Now, I don’t know what your step may look like today. Your journey may look different than mine. But I know this, one day there will be a step that drastically changes everything. That step may be a long time in the making and you may not wake up knowing it’s the day, in fact you will likely feel like it’s just another Tuesday. But that step on that day is what all your other steps have been leading you to.

I have a dear friend who’s husband battled the grips of alcohol his entire adult life. Through nearly 20 years of marriage, nothing ever stuck. It was a constant roller coaster ride of ups and downs, sobriety and NOT sobriety. Until one day, a step was taken that changed everything. He sat outside of a liquor store getting ready to go in and buy his next bottle and he felt the physical touch of his creator. That day, he took the next step and turned his car around and drove home. He hasn’t had a drink since. The impossible happened. Today, this man isn’t even remotely the same man he was then. He’s lost a massive amount of weight, he’s the husband and father he could never be before, he has passion and purpose in his life, and he’s a true joy to everyone he comes in contact with.

YA’LL THAT’S JUST THE HOLY EXCHANGE AT WORK!!!! HIS DEVOTION FOR GOD’S GUIDANCE.

As he devoted his life to God, seeking him even in his darkest days, God directed his steps. He was there for every detail of his life, working even the hardest of things together for good.

Was it messy? Yes. Did it appear hopeless at times? Yes. Was God working through it all? Yes.

The same is happening for you in your darkest of times. God is here working on your behalf. Reaching for you. Calling you in. Setting you up for the next level of living.

I read something this morning that fits so perfectly. It said “The most important spiritual growth doesn’t happen when you’re in church or on a yoga mat, it happens in the midst of conflict, when you’re frustrated, angry or scared and you’re doing the same old thing, and then you suddenly realize that you have a choice to do it different. Girl, you don’t have to keep doing this same old thing over and over again. God is offering a holy exchange here today. Your devotion for his guidance.

God has met you here this morning asking if you will be devoted to him today. Will you give your love, your loyalty and your excitement to him? Will you anticipate what he is going to do in your life? Will you give him time? Will you seek him?

If you will, he will guide your steps.

He will make things happen that you could never make happen on your own. He will change your heart and he will change the hearts of others towards you. Favor will be given. Doors will be opened. He will be in every detail. You will get you some pep in your step!

Isn’t it amazing to think God not only knows about every detail of your life, but he cares about every detail. He delights in every detail. He takes great pleasure in you, his dear daughter. And today he is guiding you. He is opening your eyes to the very things you have been missing. He has gone before you, he knows the way because he has made the way, and he says, follow me. Trust me. Lean into me. Let me guide your steps.

And today’s step may just bring you closer to where you’re going. Or today’s step may be the total breakthrough that changes everything. I don’t know which one it will be for you, but I know this, you’ve just gotta take that step. You can’t afford to sit today out. You don’t know what today’s step could do in your life. Don’t risk missing it.

You showed up today with your devotion and you’re giving God this time. Now in return, he wants to guide you. He wants to be in the details today. Follow him. With courage and boldness you take the next step in showing up and doing what needs to be done. You’ve made an exchange here today. Your devotion for his guidance. Your steps are being guided by the almighty today.