Ordered


Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his 

	way. 


	I have, like so many people today, discovered a great source of help in the use 

of a computer. I first started actually using one as a tool in my work several years ago 

as I wanted to be able to print out clearly represented scores for music. I could do 

this by hand, but it seemed like it would be so nice to do be able to just play the notes 

on a keyboard and have them automatically placed on a staff for me. I first began 

doing this on an old Mac with a black and white screen. It actually worked quite well 

but was a bit limited in its functions, but I was soon able to move on to a newer PC 

and found that I could begin to produce scores that were very clear and almost 

professional. I loved being able to do this as it was a way of producing and preserving 

music in a form that was both easily retrievable and well organized. 

	I found out, though, as I began to delve a little deeper into the functions of the 

computer and learn other applications, that this wonderful tool was a very precise 

instrument, requiring perfection in its design and maintenance in order to operate 

efficiently over any period of time. I obtained a limited understanding that there is a 

very exact flow of information made up of very small and simple steps that, when 

designed and placed correctly, will produce an overall function that is very 

incredible. A problem with this construction comes, though, when there is one of 

those tiny little steps that get out of order. Caused by a conflict with another set of 

steps or by physical damage, this obstruction in the flow of information turns this 

wonderful application that was such a pleasure to use into a huge source of 

frustration. Blue screens, sudden freezes and loss of hours of inspiration and work 

can cause you to consider just going back to pen and paper. However, there is always 

the promise of a newer, faster, upgraded version of everything that keeps us coming 

back for more. And, there really is so much that can be accomplished with them as 

long as those little steps are maintained in their order. 

	I have discovered this wonderful experience in living the life of righteousness 

in Christ. It is such a pleasure to produce, preserve and operate effectively in the 

kingdom. I have learned that I am God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto 

good works".(Ephes 2:10) I am designed by the Great Creator with precision and 

accuracy. The function of my life is given purpose and is so useful when it is 

operating as designed. The progression of this life, though, is a series of steps, the 

events that are made up of decisions and movements that fill our every moment. 

When any of these steps are diverted from the order that was their design, there is a 

disruption in the ability of life to proceed in a way that is favorable. When there is 

damage made to the perfect order of these steps by conflicts with others or physical 

and emotional attacks, there is an inability for one to discover the reality of this life's 

purpose and function. This is where many people find themselves, unable to identify 

with the "good man" of Psa 37:23. They really aren't delighting in the function of 

their life, but are just ready for it to be over with. 

	There are programs available for computers that can create a safe 

environment for repairing damaged steps. By operating from another location, these 

"system tools" can create an environment where the pressure is off of the damaged 

system and repairs can be made. They can come in and re-order the steps that are 

out of place and restore the computer's ability to effectively function. Like this 

repairing utility, there is for us the possibility of complete functional restoration in 

the presence of the Lord. He comes in to the life that is disordered and unproductive 

and creates an environment where there is no longer pressure on us to produce. As 

we remain in this environment of worship, the application of the Word to the steps of 

our life brings a return to our designed purpose and we are able to actually delight in 

our way. 

	While it may be perceived that there is no real value or purpose in this life we 

are leading, while it may seem to have shut down altogether, there is hope for a full 

return to that fullness of life we once dreamed of. In His presence is fullness of joy 

and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. This is a reality waiting to be lived 

and enjoyed, not just some faulty advertising. There is really a place for us in life as 

our steps are maintained and ordered in the presence of their Designer.  



4/16/04