Good Posture

He is able to make you stand.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

“Injury brings pain and loss, then fear and anger, which mingles with resentment and contempt and settles into postures of coldness and malice, with brutal feelings that drain the body of health and strength and shatter social well-being.” Dallas Willard

Let nothing move you, counsels Paul. I don’t know about you but I’m being moved every day and not in the direction I want to go. Every day there is something to move me away from the Father, others and myself. It’s a mixed-up, upside-down world! I get distressed over the nation, world, finances and safety. What to do? Stand.

The Father is able to make us stand. He shows you what to do today. It may be as intimate as a quiet prayer or as important as attending the city council meeting. He helps us stand. We do not rely on ourselves. As Psalm 37 says, “Trust the Lord and do good.”

The Father will bless your labor in the Lord. We don’t have the power to change the world. That’s the Father’s job. But we do have the power to encourage our communities, love and guide our families and pray. We do have the resources to self-reflect and ask for help. Prayer seems to be a “Hail Mary” pass instead of the first thing to do. A man interviewed because of a tough financial situation that affects him and his many employees, said, “Before my feet hit the floor, I ask for God’s wisdom.” The Father’s wisdom keeps us upright, on course and effective.

Because He makes us stand…   We may have some huge personal problems like grief, illness or trauma but the Father still empowers us. Bitterness, resentment and contempt leave our hearts and minds when we look to Him. We are able to love truly, no matter the circumstances. The Bible is full of times when all looked bleak and hopeless. Who took a stand? Many Bible greats were cowards full of fear and trembling—Gideon comes to mind. The giant threatening Israel was dealt a final blow by a young shepherd boy. This teenager stood firm. On my own, I’ll fold like a paper airplane, but looking back, the Father made me stand. We place our confidence in the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit and not in others or the world. Who’s more trustworthy? Who knows everything?

Musings

It seems we’re stuck in a painful loop going round and round, dizzy and spiraling out of control. This world is tough! People are complicated and vengeful. “The heart is sick. Who can understand it?” says the Psalmist. Jesus knew this and still does. Time to take a stand. He is able to make us stand.

Prayer

Dear Father,

No matter our circumstances, we give thanks. We ask you to help us to stand and do good with You today. Your promises keep us trusting and hopeful. We will do “good” today. We stand tall and confident.

Amen.