“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14 (NKJV)

The opportunities and circumstances that would lead any of us to fall is not based upon an “if” condition, but rather a “when” condition. If you are living, breathing, and moving you are subject to fall. We don’t really have to ponder on that very long to understand the reality of the previous statement whether we want to believe it or not, or if we choose to believe that it is isolated within the context of a particular segment of our society. Falling is and/or should be familiar to all of us who believe. First of all we were born in a fallen state subject to the original transgression of Adam. Secondly, after we were born again, we soon discovered that our old sin nature has a way of subtly seducing us into episodes in our life where we are subject to fall. For the sake of context as it relates to our devotional passage to fall has many possible variations in meaning. Here it means “to be overtaken” or literally to “fall into the hands of”. Now, let’s elevate our thinking. This is not to suggest that we are subject to fall into the hands of a woman or man with regards to sexual implications. That is a common “fall” but most certainly not the “only” fall that we may encounter.

We must be mindful not to be too judgmental or condemning of those who we may find in a real time, right now fall. It can happen at a time and place that we least expect. Be careful. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) We must avoid our own perceived moral invincibility and independent self-confidence concerning our moral security. We all can be tempted, tested, and tried. Depending on how we stand the test we could very well find ourselves in a fall. Therefore we must be careful not to shoot the wounded because during the next go round it very well could be us. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) Let’s speak to the phrase in this text “you who are spiritual.” It does not suggest that those who are “spiritual” during the fall of another brother or sister are “spiritual” all the time. No you may just be a little bit stronger “at that time” and available to minister to the one who is in need.

The good news is that God will help us and uphold us when we fall. When God upholds us it simply means that He is willing and able to sustain us regardless of the “fall” that we may find ourselves in. He holds us up in order to raise us up. In other words it is not His will to have us stay in the fall and wallow around and make it a lifestyle that will bring Him no glory. He raises up those of us who are bowed down or fallen. This is to encompass anyone who is bowed down with “toil, disease, or poverty.” Surely the Psalmist David knew all to well what it meant to fall. Few people have ever fallen as badly as he. Few have ever been so bowed down by a greater burden of guilt, contrition, and shame. Yet our God who is rich in love, mercy, and grace picked him up.

We are living in a day and time where we constantly witness the “fall” of spiritual and secular leaders alike. Falling like dominoes. Bruised, broken, and battered. Not to mention embarrassed and engulfed in the consequences of their actions. Falling is not unique to culture, position, or socio-economic status. We all can, we all have, and eventually we all will fall. Hallelujah our God is able to save us, raise us, heal us, and deliver us. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hands.” Psalm 37:24 (NKJV)