AFTER THE BATTLE, TO STAND

The last few weeks of life have been tough.

Exterior situations, interior battles.

And just maybe (!) a whole lot of spiritual growth!

There have been two very familiar verses that have strengthened me greatly, and today I want to share them with you.


First verse:

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13, NIV)

I love all references in the Bible that contain soldier/warrior imagery.

They always inspire me to be stronger, more courageous.

So this verse has always been a favorite.

But as I've read over it the last couple of weeks, I've noticed something different.

It's the fact that the word *stand* has been used two times, and in seemingly different ways.

I want to explore this.

First of all, I am not a Greek scholar, nor do I posture myself as being an expert on doctrine.  But when I have an insight that proves helpful to me, I always feel like the Holy Spirit is in that.  


So, here's my thoughts.

In the first instance I read: "stand your ground."

The phrase implies that there is an opposing force, an enemy attacking you from the other side.  There is no need to stand your ground if there isn't someone or something on the other side trying to knock you down.

In legal terms, there is something known as the "stand your ground" law.

A "stand your ground" law states that a person may use deadly force in self-defense without the duty to retreat when faced with a reasonable perceived threat.

All of this makes a great deal of sense to me.

The enemy of our souls does his best to oppose us.

He desires to infiltrate our territory.  To steal spiritual ground.  To insert his kingdom purposes into our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Therefore, standing our ground is actively fighting against his schemes.

It is an offensive position.


It's the second part of the verse that strikes me most:

"After you have done everything, to stand."

I am struck that there is a reason for this added thought.

Oftentimes after a particularly hard battle against the devil, I am tempted to relax and take it easy.

But honestly, does anyone ever sit on the battlefield?

A soldier who is battle-ready never lays down his weapons.  And after a battle is won, he remains on alert.

After fighting the enemy and standing my ground, it is oh-so-important to then remain standing!

To be firm and resolute, on guard, prepared for the next onslaught – for it will indeed come.

It even happened to Jesus:

"When the devil had finished every temptation, he [temporarily] left Him until a more opportune time." (Luke 4:13, AMP)

Opportune: (of a time) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate; done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; well-timed.

Yes, this is our enemy – *that* guy.

The one who never ceases to look for the perfect opportunity to strike.

He can wait, if it serves his strategies, but he will never go away.


So here's how I read this verse from Ephesians for me:

"The enemy is going to come after you.  So when he does arrive, put on the whole armor of God so that you can stand your ground.  Don't yield an inch; oppose him in the strength that God gives you.  And when you have done everything against him, don’t relax your guard.  Stay standing firm, always alert for his next attack."

Yes, amen.


The second verse is this one:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)

I am struck by the difference between "oppose, fight" and "resist."

Resist: to remain strong against the force or effect of (something); to not be affected or harmed by (something).

Therefore, resisting the devil is standing against him.

It is a defensive position.

We are always threatened by the enemy, or by the imminent possibility of his attack.  

We are always subject to his harassment, his assaults, his aggression.

We must remain defensively strong.


Sometimes it's difficult to do, as sometimes the battle involves an inner struggle in which our will is divided.

The devil has a sneaky way of trying to get us to do what we naturally want to do in the first place.

Bitterness wouldn't be such a temptation if anger wasn't so easy.

Hatred wouldn't be so persuasive if it didn't feel so good to stand up for what we think is right.

Lying wouldn't appeal to us so much if self-protective fibbing didn't feel so instinctive.

Worshiping money wouldn't be so enticing if the need for security didn't drive us so much.

Fill in your own blanks.

Satan is subtle, and I sometimes think that the most effective evil is really just twisted good.


So, resisting.

I find it interesting that this verse does NOT say, "Fight the devil, and he will be defeated."

Why not?

Two things come to mind:


1) The battle is not ours to fight alone

In Ephesians and in James, we are counseled to stand our ground, to remain standing firm, to resist.

But we cannot fight the enemy in our own power.  

He is a supernatural being, and therefore, it requires supernatural ability, heavenly allies, and the LORD of Heaven's Armies Himself to fight against him.

"You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you…" (2 Chronicles 20:17, NIV)

Yes, contextually this verse was given to the Israelites upon the occasion of an impending battle.

But I think God uses this message to speak to our own hearts even today.


2) We cannot defeat the devil

Again, this outcome belongs to the Lord.

We can resist the devil, and we are admonished, encouraged, commanded to do so.

But we cannot defeat him.

This is completely up to the Lord.

However, I think it's very important to remember that our enemy is already a defeated foe.  He "lost" at Calvary, and he's just frantically working now on borrowed time.

Somehow he's deceived himself into thinking that he can change the inevitable.

But he cannot.

In the meantime, all his *roaring* is really just squeaky squawking, just feeble fussing, only useless yakking.

One day he will be silenced forever.

By Jesus, the Victor who gives us victory.

The One who conquered the devil's ultimate weapon – death – and destroyed his power forever.

"[God] canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities.  He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross." (Colossians 2:14-15, NLT)


So, here's how I read this verse from James for me:

"Submit to God, for He’s the One with all the power.  Push back when the devil pushes you.  Take a defensive stand.  He will be surprised at your resistance, and he will run away."

Yes, amen.


I'd like to add some extra thoughts that I came across as I explored these verses.  I think they help expand the concepts of opposing, fighting, standing, resisting:

    to stand opposite or against
    to take a complete stand against – a 180 degree, contrary position
    to establish one's position publicly by conspicuously "holding one's ground"
    to refuse to be moved or pushed back
    to forcefully declare one's personal conviction where they unswervingly
      stand
    to keep one's possession
    to ardently withstand, without giving up or letting go


And, some more information I discovered as I did a little research about the Greek words that I've looked at:

The Greek word "anthístēmi" was a military term in classical Greek (used by Thucydides, etc.) meaning "to strongly resist an opponent" and to "take a firm stand against."

The Greek word translated "withstand or stand your ground" in Ephesians 6:13 is "antistēnai" – and it is found in these other verses: Matthew 5:39, Luke 21:15, and Acts 6:10.

The Greek word translated "to stand" in Ephesians 6:13 is "stēnai" – and it is found in these other verses: Mark 3:26, Acts 8:38, Ephesians 6:11.

The Greek word translated "resist" in James 4:7 is "antistēte" – and is only found one other time in 1 Peter 5:9.

(See, maybe I'm not a Greek scholar, but I like being a Greek searcher!)


And I thought these commentaries were quite interesting, and very helpful:


"Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering.  Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armour of God, which he prepares and bestows.  The Christian armour is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armour till we have done our warfare, and finished our course.  The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls.  The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts.  We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan.  Resist him, and he will flee.  If we give way, he will get ground.  If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armour, we give him advantage…Our enemies are mighty, and we are without strength, but our Redeemer is almighty, and in the power of his might we may overcome.  Wherefore we must stir up ourselves." 
(Matthew Henry commentary on Ephesians 6:10-18)


"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you – while you yield to God in all things, you are to yield to the devil in none.  You are to resist and oppose him in whatever way he may approach you, whether by allurements, by flattering promises, by the fascinations of the world, by temptation, or by threats…Satan makes his way, and secures his triumphs, rather by art, cunning, deception, and threatenings, than by true courage; and when opposed manfully, he flies. The true way of meeting him is by direct resistance, rather than by argument; by steadfastly refusing to yield in the slightest degree, rather than by a belief that we can either convince him that he is wrong, or can return to virtue when we have gone a certain length in complying with his demands.  No one is safe who yields in the least to the suggestions of the tempter; there is no one who is not safe if he does not yield." 
(Barnes' Notes on the Bible, James 4:7)



So yes, the last few weeks of life have been tough.

But oh, how the Lord is stretching me and strengthening me.

He is teaching me the nuances of battle – the truth about how to do it well, how to rely on His power to fight a supernatural war, how to stand my ground, how to resist – and how to stand strong and firm in the aftermath.

And speaking of the aftermath – the *to stand* part – one of my devotionals last week added this important knowledge to what I like to call *the fight after the fight.*  

Every victory must lead to occupation.

It does not take the enemy long to recognize an unguarded post and take advantage of it.

I must follow up triumphs with seizing the territory so the enemy cannot recapture it.

I must nail down my victories so that counterattack is impossible.

There must be no vacancy after victory!

(Thoughts taken from "Daily with the King" by W. Glyn Evans)


Dear friends, none of us are in this battle alone.

We battle together, and God fights for us.

Let's withstand the attacks.

Let's stand our ground.

Let’s resist.

Let's remain standing after the battle is done.

Let's claim the *new ground* of victory.

Let's take the banner of Christ, the Victor, and plant it firmly in our hearts.


And let's never, ever give in, give over, or give up.


"Possideat terram."

(Latin for "possess the land.")


"Yahweh-Nissi."

(Hebrew for "the LORD is my banner.")



Having done all, let's stand.




What is your battle today?  Are you standing strong?

O enemy of mine
You will not cross this line,
Here I take my stand
And claim it as "God's land." 

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The [enemies] you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" (Exodus 14:13-14, NIV)

"He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me." (Psalm 18:17, KJV)

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10, NASB)

"Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.  Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident." (Psalm 27:3, NLT)

"O LORD, how many are my foes!  Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.   But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.  I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me…

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.  Arise, O LORD!  Save me, O my God!  For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked." 
(Psalm 3:1-4, 6-7, ESV)

"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith…" (1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV)

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.  Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground…" (Ephesians 6:10-14, NLT)

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31, NLT)

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39, NLT)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAYS, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE AND CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HIDDEN TREASURES

Chipmunks and squirrels.

I love these guys, they are so much fun to watch.

They're always up to something – nature's purveyors of antics, hijinks, and shenanigans!

Endless entertainment on the mountain.

I have spent many days watching them scurry around, chase each other, challenge each other to be king of the boulder, and dig holes.

Cute.

The other day, I happened to catch some movement in my peripheral vision. I looked up just in time to see a chipmunk run like crazy into a gap between two boulders.

How funny, I thought to myself.

Then "The Hub" said, "There's a bobcat on our porch."

What…really?!

Sure enough, a bobcat was prowling around our back door.  No wonder Mr. Munk scampered away so quickly!

Never a dull moment around these parts!

One of my favorite things to do is watch the squirrels and chipmunks in the Fall.

In the Fall, it's rather amazing to see them hard at work, finding and storing nuts for the winter.

They are industrious and tireless.

Sometimes our trees shed lots of acorns, and the food source is readily available.  Other times, there aren't so many, and yet, my friendly little *neighbors* manage to find some sort of food to hide away.

But it is during the Winter when I am most fascinated by their work.

I don't know how, despite freezing temperatures and multiple snowfalls, these little creatures still manage to find their hidey-holes.

They seem to know exactly where they've stashed their edible goodies.

And I love watching them dig up the dirt, scrounge around, and then hold their food in those cute little hands (paws!), and chew away.

How do they know where they've buried their food?

Do they detect it again by memory, or smell, or some other instinctual method that I'm not aware of?

It's incredible.


And it's a good lesson for all of us to apply in our own lives.

Sometimes life just takes us into a wilderness time, a winter season of dryness or discouragement or trial or suffering.

It's easy to lose sight of what we know to be true.

I don't know what's going on with me lately, but I've just been blah.

No particularly big "triggering" event, just the ongoing ebb and flow of life "stuff."

So today, when I went to church, I asked the Lord to meet me there with something that I really needed to hear.

Of course, He did.

Our pastor is doing a series on the promises of God – and this morning's message was entitled, "The Promise of Answered Prayer."

The message was powerful and timely.

But, it was one verse that caught my heart.

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)


I immediately thought of my little furry friends.

And their hidden things.

Several years ago, when I was going through a particularly rough time, I had a friend encourage me with these words:

"When you can't find your way in the dark, go back to what you knew and believed in the light."

I found it most helpful.

The chipmunks and squirrels spend warm sunshine days finding and hiding food, so that during the cold winter months, they'll have nourishment.

Do they hibernate like bears?

Nope!

Though they sleep a lot, they don't sleep all the way through the season.

They retreat to their burrows and dens but wake every few days or weeks, raise their body temperatures to normal, and feed on stored food rather than fat reserves!

(I'd personally like to be like a bear.  I've got some pesky *fat reserves* I'd like to feed on…just sayin').

When it's cold outside, they still know where to go to sustain themselves.


This is so true about faith, too.

What we store away will bring us through the wilderness times, through the winter seasons.

So, what are four things, four truths I can hide in my heart for those times when I am discouraged?


One, I can be assured of God's presence.

"'As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.'" (Joshua 1:5, AMP)

"…for He [God] Himself has said, 'I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.  [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!  [Assuredly not!]'" (Hebrews 13:5, AMP)


Two, I can be assured of God's power.

"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it – the LORD is His name." (Jeremiah 33:2, ESV)

"'Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh.  Is anything too hard for Me?'" (Jeremiah 32:27, ESV)


Three, I can be assured of God's purpose.

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…" (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)


Four, I can be assured of God's promises.

"God is not a man, so he does not lie.  He is not human, so he does not change his mind.  Has he ever spoken and failed to act?  Has he ever promised and not carried it through?" (Numbers 23:19, NLT)

"'Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.'" (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT)


Hiding the Word of God provides much-needed nourishment when we're full of doubts and fears, or struggling with trials and tribulations.

It is a hidden treasure of great worth.

But, there's one other thing I want to mention.

It's how God sometimes takes these wilderness, winter seasons and uses them to reveal to us something really special.

The photo accompanying this post is part of a fallen log that sits alongside the drive up to our house.

It's full of woodpecker holes.

But would you take a moment to notice something else?

Inside those holes are acorns!!

Evidently, chipmunks and squirrels are not the only ones to store away some goodies!

From a distance, those holes just look like holes.

But since this branch has broken off, we can see the treasures that are hidden there.

Again, a wonderful faith lesson.

Sometimes it takes some breaking for God to show us something really special – a revelation that we might never have known in good times.

"'I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD…who summons you by name.'" (Isaiah 45:3, NIV)


Yes.

Hidden treasures, secret riches.

God has a way of carving us deeper, enriching and growing our faith when we feel weakest.

When we feel broken, and hungry, and cold.

I go back to Jeremiah 33:3 – what were the great and hidden things that God revealed to His prophet?

Two pretty awesome things.

This message came around the time of the Babylonian Conquest – a terrible time when the Jews were defeated and led into captivity.

Here God reveals that they will be rescued, returned to their homeland, once they repent and return to Him.

But, He also issues a prophecy about the coming Messiah:

"The day will come, says the LORD, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.  'In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line.  He will do what is just and right throughout the land.  In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.  And this will be its name: 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'"
(Jeremiah 33:14-16, NLT)


WOW!

Can you imagine receiving that revelation?!

(Me either!)


So, if we're willing, God can reveal new aspects about Himself, new revelations from His Word, new depths of faith, and new purposes when we least expect it…

...right in the middle of a dry or cold spell in our hearts.

Great and hidden things.

Treasure and secret riches.


Hide them in your heart.

Remember them.

Let God reveal them.


Never go hungry again…




What is a hidden treasure that you have discovered about God?

Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.



("Be Thou My Vision" - ancient Irish hymn)

"'You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it?  From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known.'" (Isaiah 48:6, ESV)

"'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

"It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22, NASB)

"He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom." (Job 12:22, NLT)

"'It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit.  It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.'" (Isaiah 55:11, NLT)

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11, NASB)

"The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip." 
(Psalm 37:31, NIV)

"…the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God – his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began." (1 Corinthians 2:7, NLT)

"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed." (1 Corinthians 4:1, NIV)

"…making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ…" (Ephesians 1:9, ESV)

"'Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.  And because they love me, my Father will love them.  And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.'" (John 14:21, NLT)



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, US, COFFEE & JESUS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THE LOFT LINKUP, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THE COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, GRACE & TRUTH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, DANCE WITH JESUS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, TGI SATURDAYS, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

OH LORD, I CANNOT...

Distraught.

Distracted, upset, worried, agitated, panicked, anxious, troubled...

You get the picture.

Have you ever felt that way?

Like life was crashing upon you, wave after wave, and you just can't catch a breath?

Growing up, my family loved going to the beach.

And we loved bodysurfing.

The challenge of catching waves and riding them into shore was great fun!

But one day, the surf was anything but friendly.

And I found myself in trouble.

The waves were particularly big, and kept coming closer and closer together.  I had to keep swimming out to dive under them before they crashed on me, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn't.

I can't tell you the times that I *wiped out*.

Tumbled and tossed, not knowing if I was up or down, panicking that I would ever surface again.  

Desperate for breath… 

Weary, and caught far beyond my ability to get back to safety.

That's the kind of feeling that I'm talking about.

Sometimes it doesn't take big events to make you feel this way – sometimes it's just the smaller stuff that piles up and topples you into a bundle of nerves.


Recently I spent two weeks with my mother.

We had a good time, though it continues to be a difficult journey.

Her helplessness increases, while at the same time her cognitive abilities decline.  And if anyone has dealt with a loved one who suffers from dementia, you know how challenging it is to walk this path.

On the day that I had to leave, things were in turmoil.

Mom has a very tough time letting me go now.

Even when I'm staying with her for a period of time, she is very upset when I have to leave for any reason.  She panics, and asks me over and over if and when I'm coming back.

And, when I tell her that I will be going home in a day or two, she falls apart.

Mind you, we have a caregiver who is with her most days, and my other siblings spend days with her during the week, too.  So Mom is never alone on any day.  But I think she gets used to me being there for longer periods of time, especially overnight, and it's quite disturbing to her when it's time for me to go.

This time was especially painful.

You see, a couple of days earlier, Mom did something to her back, and she could barely walk, even with my help.

And so, I know she was feeling particularly helpless and vulnerable.

My heart was heavy when I got into my car to leave.

On top of those circumstances, there was also *stuff* going on in the rest of the family.

Stresses and medical issues.

Job pressures and financial concerns.

It just seemed like every single person that I love was in some sort of distress, and I felt a deep disquietude in my heart.

Sigh.


I talked to God on the way home.

And later that evening, when I finally sat down, I wrote out my thoughts.

You see, I have this notebook.  

I wouldn't call it a journal, it's just something I write in when I'm nervous.  It helps to get the feelings out on paper.  It seems to lessen the endless ruminating that I do.

So, I wrote – sentence after sentence.  

Releasing a litany of fears and worries, frustrations and burdens.  

Cataloguing my "what if?" and my "why this?" and my "how will this ever work out?" thoughts.  My pen wrote as if possessed, driven by my spiraling emotions.

It has been a very long time since I have felt this helpless.

Oh, how I want to fix everything and make all the bad stuff go away.

I want to intervene, and meddle, and give everyone my opinion.

I want to tinker, dabble, shape, and mold.

I want to take over.

And yet, I can only listen and pray.

It's so hard watching life happen, especially when you have to watch people you love struggle.

I don't like it…

AT. ALL.


Finally, exhausted, I wrote the only other thing I could think of to say:

"Oh Lord, I cannot…"


I ponder those words.

Are they angry, frustrated, weary, broken?

Are they an expression of my fatigue or a plea for His help?

Are they an admission of my powerlessness or a surrender to His will? 

I think it's all of that.  

I cannot fix things.

I cannot change things.

I cannot make everything all right.

I cannot turn off my thoughts.

I cannot take another weary step.

I cannot make life work.

And I find it so incredibly difficult to trust God when things are hard and loved ones are struggling or suffering.

But then I realized the truth – I have nowhere else to turn, and no one else to turn to…

"Oh Lord, I cannot…"


Quietly, I heard a reply:

"Yes, dear Sharon.  But that is the whole point.  YOU cannot…"

Then He reminded me of my life verses:

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)


Yes, I realized, He isn't asking me to stop caring, or to stop doing what I can do.

But He IS commanding me to not LEAN on my own power to figure life out.  

My abilities are a faulty prop.

And if I lean on them, I will most certainly fall.

I must not rely on my limited comprehension, or put my faith in myself.  

Instead, I must learn to trust God more.  

And certainly part of trusting God is EN-trusting Him with the people I love so much, and committing their life circumstances into His hands.  

It's very hard.  

But in this moment, God reminded me that He loves them far more than I ever could.

He reminded me that He planned every single one of their days, including all the situations that I fret so much about.

He assured me that He listens and He cares.

And He commanded me to remember that HE is firmly in control.

Even when I feel totally out of control – even when I am anxious to take control.

He spoke again:

"Don't worry.  I've got this…"


Oh Lord, I cannot…

I cannot stop worrying without Your help.

I cannot watch life unfold without Your help.

I cannot surrender without Your help.

I cannot trust You without Your help.

I cannot take another step…


And then He spoke the most precious words into my troubled soul…

"It's all right, Sharon…

I CAN."



Do you ever feel that you *cannot*?  How does God speak to you in those moments?

When peace, like a river,
attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows
roll;
Whatever my lot,
thou hast taught me to say,
It is well,
it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet,
though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance
control,
That Christ has regarded
my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood
for my soul.

It is well with my soul,
it is well,
it is well with my soul.

(Words by Horatio G. Spafford, 1876)

"'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the LORD.  'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:8-9, NLT)

"O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.  You have no equal." (Psalm 40:5, NLT)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD.  'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.'" (Jeremiah 29:11-12, NLT)

"…the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (Psalm 33:11, NIV)

"The LORD Almighty has sworn, 'Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.'" (Isaiah 14:24, NIV)

"Commit everything you do to the LORD.  Trust him, and he will help you." (Psalm 37:5, NLT)

"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22, NLT)

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken…Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.  My victory and honor come from God alone.  He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times.  Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8, NLT)

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm…'Do not fear…do not let your hands hang limp.  The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you…in his love he will…rejoice over you with singing.'" (Zephaniah 3:15-17, NIV)

"…the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven."
(Psalm 11:4, NLT)



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

I AM SO TROUBLED

I just am.

It's been a tough week.

Do you have weeks like that?

Where *stuff* just bubbles up and you cannot find rest for your body or your mind or your soul?

It's been that kind of week for me.

The details are not necessary, for trouble brews for all of us, rearing its ugly head in a myriad of disguises.

Sometimes it sneaks up on us, and sometimes it jumps out of nowhere.

But, in all cases, it arrives and plants itself right in the middle of our lives.

I frankly wasn't sure what to write about this week, because I've been so distracted with the things that have happened.  And frankly, I'm still not quite sure where God is going to lead this post.

But here's where I'm beginning – with two verses that admonish us to NOT be troubled.


JOHN 14:27, ESV:

"Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."


So, the first thing I notice is that Jesus tells us two separate things – don't be troubled, NEITHER be afraid.

Is there a difference?

Here's the dictionary definition of both:

troubled – to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate.

afraid – a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being fearful; concern or anxiety; anticipation of the possibility that something unpleasant will occur; fear of punishment.


So, as I'm thinking about this, I see two things.  

Circumstances cause me to be afraid.  And this fear seems to be rooted in anticipation of a negative, or dangerous, or painful future outcome.

And second, this fear causes great agitation, as I worry and fret and find myself churning in a troubled state of anxiety.


Now, the next thing I notice is that Jesus tells us to "let not your hearts…"

To me that implies that I am part of this process.  

I cannot be passive when I am troubled or afraid.  I cannot sit back and play the victim.  

Yes, trouble will come.

But I must not ALLOW my heart to be overtaken or overcome by it.

But honestly, when I'm beset by troubling circumstances, and when I am afraid of future outcomes, it's pretty hard to *snap out of it.*

Here's the secret though – the first part of that verse:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you."


You see, the secret to overcoming trouble and fear is the peace that Jesus bought for us, and gave to us as His gift.

The world offers peace through financial security, or faultless health, or personal power.  It takes into consideration the things of this world and this lifetime.

This sort of peace is fragile at best.

But Jesus' gift of peace speaks to the ultimate peace He bought by His sacrificial death on the cross, reconciling us forever with God.

This peace is eternal, unchanging, immutable.

Therefore, we "let not our hearts" be troubled or afraid because ultimately, the things of this world have been overcome.  

Eternal peace with God triumphs over temporary anxieties or troubling situations.

Perspective, my friends.


ISAIAH 41:10, ESV:

"…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God…"


OK, so here the word *dismayed* is used.  I wonder, is that different from being troubled?

Here's the dictionary definition:

dismay – sudden or complete loss of courage; utter disheartenment; sudden disillusionment; agitation of mind; perturbation; alarm.


I think I get that.

You know, it's that moment when adrenaline suddenly rushes through our bloodstream, when our knees feel weak, when we get a little lightheaded, when we feel like turning and running away.  

Here's a word picture that helps me understand –

I used to go bodysurfing.  

I think it's like a rite of passage if you live by the ocean.  My dad taught me the fineries of proper technique.

I was pretty good at it. 

But every now and then, the ocean asserted its power over me.

*Dismayed* is like that sudden and unexpected wave that comes out of nowhere and wipes you out.  

*Troubled* is the ensuing tossing-and-turning agitation as you tumble around in the surf.  

Maybe there's a cycle here – circumstances lead to sudden dismay, which leads to ongoing troubled emotions and thoughts, which leads to fear of the future.


OK, I think I've got a handle on what the words mean – back to the verse.

As I ponder further, I ask myself, "Is it meant to be a comfort or a command?"

Is God saying that I don't need to be afraid or dismayed, or is He telling me DO NOT be afraid or dismayed?

I'm thinking it's both!

OK, I'm saying to myself.  But I'm also muttering under my breath, "Easier said than done."

"I heard that."

Uh oh, that's right – God hears everything.

"Read the rest of what I said.  WHY have I said these things to you?"


As I read more closely, I see that God tells us five very important, very crucial things – five reasons that we do not need, must not be, troubled or dismayed or afraid – five incredible promises:


1. "I am with you."

There are multiple times in the Old Testament when God tells His people, or a certain person, to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged.

And the reason He offers is that He will never leave nor forsake those He calls His own.

I was talking about this with "The Hub" recently, and he asked me this:

"Aren't *leave* and *forsake* the same thing?"

I paused.

"I don't think so," I replied.  "But let me ponder on that."

Finally, I came up with this example to illustrate what I think is the difference:

Once a month, I leave home to go *off the mountain* to help with my mom and visit with my family.

In that sense, I *leave* my husband.  My physical presence is removed, albeit with the sure promise that I will return.  (Leave implies out of sight, not in physical contact)

Now, if I was to *forsake* my husband, I would leave and never return.  I would turn my back on my wedding vows, and forsake my marriage. (Forsake implies abandon, desert, strand, renege on a promise, nullify a covenant agreement)

In this sense, we are promised that God will NEVER leave us – remove His physical presence from us – NOR forsake us – abandon or desert us, renege on His promises, nullify His everlasting covenant.

This is tremendous Truth!!


2.  "I am your God."

Do you catch the personalization of this statement?!

God is not just asserting the fact that He is God.

He is stating the wonder-full assurance that He is OUR God.

Personal, intimate, close, individual.

He is the Almighty, yes indeed.

But He is also the Almighty God of MY life.

He is the God of individual relationships – the eternal Friend that we long for.


3.  "I will strengthen you."

God recognizes that we can't combat trouble alone.  We just aren't strong enough in our own power.  And, if you think about it, He didn't leave us to fight alone.

Part of the *peace* that Jesus left with us is the Holy Spirit.  

The Comforter.

And, in our feeble weaknesses, His strength is made perfect.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
(2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)


From Matthew Henry's Commentary: "When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace."

Yup.


4.  "I will help you."

What joy there is in THAT statement!

I will help you, because I HEAR YOUR CRIES!

I will help you, because I CAN!

I will help you, because I WANT TO!

I will help you, because it is MY WILL to work all things together for good!

Notice He doesn't say – I might help you, I'll think about helping you, I'll consider helping you, perhaps I will, perhaps I won't – and He doesn't say, "Oh I'm sorry, were you talking?" – nope!

He says…

I. WILL. HELP. YOU.

Yes, in His perfect timing, and in His perfect way – but always, always faithful to respond.

From Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible: "…the Lord always hears and answers his people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for his glory and their good…"

Oh yes, indeed.


5.  "I will uphold you."

Literally – I will hold you up.

The definition of uphold: to give support to; to support against an opponent; to keep elevated; to lift up – sustain, maintain, defend, endorse, advocate, encourage, nourish.

Remember the story about Moses in Exodus 17:

"So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed…[But] Moses' hands were heavy.  Then…Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other.  Thus his hands were steady until the sun set."


In the same way – only better (!), because He never grows tired or weary – God holds us up.

Those everlasting arms, and that strong hand of righteousness, undergird our feeble frames – so that we will neither stumble nor fall, so that we will not be shaken, so that our feet will not be moved, so that we will stand firm.

"…in a way of special grace, to guard and protect his people, support and supply them, comfort and strengthen their hearts; wherefore they need not fear any of their enemies, nor whatsoever they may be called to suffer for his name's sake, even though they pass through fire and water, and the valley of the shadow of death…" (Gill's)


Have you stuck with me so far, friends?!

As I told you at the beginning, I wasn't quite sure where God was going to lead this post.

But now I can see His hand in it, for He led me to His Word.

And truly, is there any better place to go in times of trouble?

Certainly not!

For it is there that I once again encounter the Prince of Peace, the Author of My Salvation, the Everlasting Father, and the Almighty God of Heaven's Armies.

The One who is with me.

The One who is my God.

The One who strengthens me.

The One who will help me.

The One who upholds me.


And so, I am just going to end with my personalization of one of my favorite verses:

"In this world, I will have many trials and sorrows.  I will have many difficulties and tribulations.  I will be afflicted with trouble.  But I will take heart!  I will be of good cheer, and I will be courageous.  For Jesus, my Savior, has overcome the world!"


Therefore, I will live my life, I will face each moment, with Him.

Neither troubled nor dismayed nor afraid.

Standing…in victory…as a conqueror.

Oh, what a tangled
web we weave,
When we let the weeds
of trouble invade...
But let not our hearts
be deceived,
There is One who has come
to our eternal aid.

So lean on His peace
and be not dismayed,
For all shall be well,
forevermore...
The victory's been won,
the price has been paid,
And our home is awaiting
on Heaven's shore.

(Sharon Kirby, 11/15/15)

"The peace Christ gives is true, solid, and substantial; the peace the world, the men, and things of it give, is a false one; and whilst they cry, 'peace, peace, sudden destruction is at hand': the peace of the world is at best but an external one, but the peace Christ is the giver of, is internal; the peace the world affords is a very transient, unstable, and short lived one, but the peace of Christ is lasting and durable; the peace of the world will not support under the troubles of it, but the peace which Christ gives, cheerfully carries his people through all the difficulties and exercises of this life…" 
(Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible)

"So the peace Christ leaves is power to hold the wildest fear in pause, to still a clamor or hush a cry – it is the coming of mercy to a sense of sin, of life to the fear of death…'Not as the world giveth, give I to you, both as to manner and matter and power.  The matter, substance, and value of the prosperity and peace I give stretches out into eternity; and I give it, I do not merely talk of it or wish it.'" (Matthew Henry's Commentary) 

"…the most striking and unique note of the true faith is that…sorrow is blended with an inward rapture which transforms it into peace…" (Pulpit Commentary)




"I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore."

(Psalm 121, ESV)


"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-3, 11, ESV)

"Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.'  But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the LORD, and he answers me…I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.  I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side." (Psalm 3:1-6, NIV)

"The LORD will save him in the day of trouble." (Psalm 41:1, AMP)

"Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the LORD." (Psalm 23:6, AMP)




Are you in the midst of trouble?  Are you dismayed or afraid?




Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"