Psalm 119:133 | “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”

The psalmist prays for two things. First, he asks for direction. He pleads with the Lord to establish his steps by the word. To ask God to establish his steps is to ask for stability, safety, and security. It is a prayer that the path of obedience would be made firm beneath his feet. Spurgeon captures the heart of this request: “By his grace he enables us to put our feet step by step in the very place which his word ordains. This prayer seeks a very choice favour, namely, that every distinct act, every step, might be arranged and governed by the will of God.” Second, the psalmist prays for deliverance from the power of sin. He asks that iniquity would not gain dominion over him. He knows sin does not retreat quietly. It presses, advances, and seeks mastery. Spurgeon observes, speaking of believers, “They pant for perfect liberty from the power of evil, and being conscious that they cannot obtain it of themselves, they cry unto God for it.” The psalmist does not trust his own resolve. He looks to the Lord for restraint, strength, and freedom. These two requests belong together. When the Lord establishes a person’s steps by the word, sin will not rule over him. Steady steps and spiritual freedom flow from the same source. The word of God directs the path, and the grace of God preserves the soul.