How can we avoid the "stumbling" described in Psalm 107:12 in our lives? Recognizing What Psalm 107:12 Warns Against “He humbled their hearts with hard labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help.” (Psalm 107:12) This verse pictures people who refused God’s earlier warnings (vv.10–11) until He allowed crushing circumstances that left them exhausted and helpless. The “stumble” is spiritual collapse—failure that comes from stubborn independence. Key Reasons People Stumble - Ignoring God’s Word and persisting in self-direction (Psalm 107:11) - Pride that resists the Lord’s correction (Proverbs 16:18) - Isolation from godly counsel, leaving “no one to help” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) - Underestimating the enemy’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8) Guardrails That Keep Us Upright 1. Receive Scripture early, not after crisis • “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) • Make daily, unhurried Bible intake a settled habit. 2. Choose humility before God imposes it • “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) • Confess sin quickly; celebrate God’s authority rather than fighting it. 3. Lean on the Lord, not on self-confidence • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Pray first; ask, “Lord, what do You want me to learn?” before pressing ahead. 4. Stay close to believing community • “Two are better than one… if either falls, his companion can lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) • Engage a small group or accountability partner who will speak truth in love. 5. Watch and guard your footing • “So, the one who thinks he stands should beware lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) • Regular self-examination keeps small compromises from becoming great falls. Daily Practices That Steady the Walk - Start each morning in Scripture and invite the Spirit’s guidance. - Memorize verses addressing current temptations. - Review the day with God at night, repenting of any drift. - Serve others; humility grows when we put their needs first. - Keep a journal of God’s past rescues to recall His faithfulness quickly. Promises That Give Confidence - “He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3) - “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless…” (Jude 24) - “The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14) Holding fast to these truths and practices turns potential stumbling stones into stepping-stones, keeping our hearts responsive and our steps sure. |
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