Thursday, April 24, 2008
The One Who is For Me
This I know that, God is for me. Psalm 56:9 (New American Standard Bible)
This phrase needs to become a banner I carry with me through out each day. To realize that above every situation, relationship, and circumstance God is for me! I need this reminder today. I need it to make its way to the very center of my being. It has to be more than words on a page to me. It has to be what gives me life, assurance, and comfort.
As the Romans 8:31 says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8 is a chapter that is filled with ways God is for us. He doesn’t condemn us. He sets us free. He sent His Son to be our offering for sin. He has given us His Spirit. He gives us life and peace. He claims us as His own. He leads us by His Spirit. He is our Abba Father and calls us His children. He makes us His heirs. He adopts and redeems us. He helps us in our weaknesses. He prays and intercedes for us. He works all things for good. He calls us for His purposes. He knows us thoroughly and is conforming us to the image of His Son. He justifies and glorifies us. Any and all that would be against us surely fades in comparison to God being for us.
Ephesians 6 lists the armor I am to put on and when it says to pick up my sword, which is the Word of God, this list from Romans 8 is part of my sword. When thoughts of condemnation begin to circle, THIS list is what I can use against them. When relationships are not what I want them to be, THIS list is what will comfort me. When life gets messy, THIS list is what can bring calm to my internal world. When the enemy mocks me with my own failures, THIS list can silence him. When my mind takes trips down wrong paths and into dark pits, THIS list is what can get me back on the right path and walking in the light once again.
For too many years I could read God’s Word but fail to apply it to my every day life. I am learning how to do that now and it is making a difference. While there are still times I fail and don’t get it right, there are also moments of victory and growth that I praise God for. He and I both know I will not reach perfection in this life time, but together we celebrate the triumphs and progress.
I don’t know what others are facing who read these words today, but I am confident they are meant to encourage you and give you a life line of hope. Time and time again, God has assured me the messages are meant for myself and others. They are meant for you!
Father, of all that I have read this morning from Your Word and various books, THIS was Your message for me today. What a gift! What a precious God You are to me! Amen.