In some ways, the path to heaven is safe, but in others, it's the most dangerous road. Difficulties surround it. A single misstep, without grace, and we're down. It can be such a slippery path for some of us.

How often do we echo the Psalmist, "My feet were almost gone, my steps had nearly slipped." If we were strong, sure-footed climbers, it might not matter much. But on our own, we're weak. We stumble on the best roads, falter on the smoothest paths. Our knees barely support us. A straw can trip us, and a pebble can wound us.

We're like children, taking our first steps in faith, with our heavenly Father holding us up. If we don't fall, it's because of the patient power that watches over us every day. Think of how prone we are to sin, how likely we are to choose danger, how strong our inclination to bring ourselves down. These thoughts should make us sing with joy, "Glory be to Him who can keep us from falling." We face many foes trying to bring us down. The path is rough, we're weak, and enemies wait to ambush, trying to trip us or push us over the edge.

Only an Almighty arm can protect us from these hidden threats. That arm defends us. The One who promised is faithful and able to keep us from falling. With a deep recognition of our weakness, we can have a firm belief in our safety and say with confidence, "Against me earth and hell combine, but on my side is power divine; Jesus is all, and He is mine!"