Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
The psalm containing this declaration is one intended to lift up those who are cast down. It considers Israel as being both turned aside from God and at the same time oppressed by enemies. Within that setting the statement affirms unbroken loyalty under pressure, that passing through severe trial and struggle is not evidence that the heart has drawn back from God. Nor does such hardship show that the feet have wandered out of His path, for the words express holding fast to Him in spite of suffering.
The same psalm pictures God's people as reckoned like sheep appointed to be slain. That picture is taken up in the New Testament as ground for confidence that believers are more than victors through the love of Christ.
The psalm containing this declaration is one intended to lift up those who are cast down. It considers Israel as being both turned aside from God and at the same time oppressed by enemies. Within that setting the statement affirms unbroken loyalty under pressure, that passing through severe trial and struggle is not evidence that the heart has drawn back from God. Nor does such hardship show that the feet have wandered out of His path, for the words express holding fast to Him in spite of suffering.
The same psalm pictures God's people as reckoned like sheep appointed to be slain. That picture is taken up in the New Testament as ground for confidence that believers are more than victors through the love of Christ.