My Defender

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king,

'O Nebuchadnezzar,

we do not need to defend ourselves 

before you in this matter.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,

the God we serve is able to save us from it,

and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.

But even if he does not,

we want you to know, O king,

that we will not serve your gods

or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"

Daniel 3:16-18

They were in trouble.  Daniel's friends had set themselves against the ruling power, defying his order to worship the golden statue set up in plain sight of everyone in Babylon.  It's not like this king would overlook their rebellion.  No, he would deal with it and make an example out of the defiant Jewish exiles.  No foreigner would make a fool out of him, he would make sure of that.

King Nebuchadnezzar did his best to make an example out of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the most brutal and hazardous way possible.  He ordered the furnace to be cranked up to a temperature seven times hotter than usual.  As soon as it was ready, the three young men were tied up.  But even as they stood before the blazing inferno, the trio did not back down.  They showed their faith in a God who is able to save but entirely sovereign.  The "how" of their salvation would be up to Him.  The oven they faced was so hot that even the soldiers who threw them in gave their lives for their king's stubborn resolve. 

God did save them in a most spectacular way, protecting them from injury in the midst of the blaze and delivering them unharmed with not a hair on their head singed nor the smell of fire upon them. 

The same can be true for me as I face the trials and tribulations of this life.  I may not be up against a literal fiery furnace, but their are many difficulties I must cope with in this life.  As a member of His family, the Lord has promised to defend me from attack, to protect me from harm, and to deliver me from evil.  There is nothing I need fear with the LORD of heaven and earth backing me up.

Isaiah 43 expresses this truth beautifully when the LORD reassured His people.  "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned." (v 1b-2)

As I confront the hardships and suffering of this day may I remember that I have nothing to fear; my Defender is with me.

My Light

I need look no further than the morning news to know that I live in a dark and evil world.  Violence, abuse, complacency, selfishness, brutality, and greed rule the headlines.  It is easy to give up hope, thinking that all is lost.  It's less difficult for me to go with the flow then to stand in the middle of the current as the force threatens to overtake me.   What is the point of living for God when evil is winning?

It may look like the darkness will overtake me but Jesus warned me the times would get darker as the end drew near and encouraged me to stand strong until the end.  John reminded me of the teaching of Jesus that, "God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.  So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.  But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:5-7)

As a daughter of the King, there are many dark places I have no business visiting. When I'm drawn toward the territory of getting the upper hand or looking out for my own interests above all others', I can draw on the power found in the light that can instead humble me into an attitude like that of Christ Jesus.

When I slip into worry or depression, I can remember to let Him carry my load so that His peace will guard my heart and mind from further darkness.  

When I wander down the path of comfort and pleasure, seeking only to please my own desires, I can remember that when I delight myself in the Lord, He will give me new passions. 

Jesus is my light.  If I make Him the only source of illumination to guide my path, I have nothing to fear.  

My Salvation

The tiny, baby birds were so innocent and vulnerable, fluttering around on the ground beneath my hanging ferns.  As I watered the plants a few minutes before, I had inadvertently washed the young finches out of the nest their parents had painstakingly built in the center of the greenery.  These defenseless creatures need saving since they were unable to fly.  I lowered the plant down to the ground and carefully placed them back in their home.  The parents soon returned and quickly relocated their little family.  So much for act of heroics!  

If I were to see myself as God views me, maybe I would see a weak and defenseless creature, unable to protect myself from harm or save myself from my appetite for trouble, kind of like those baby finches.  I don't want to stray away from where I know God wants me, but my wandering eye entices me away.  I may see another route that seems more scenic but takes me to a different destination, or it may be that I'm unsatisfied with my present situation and drawn to search for something more exciting.  Whatever it is that takes me off the path, I'm easily lured away from God.

Thankfully, I have a Good Shepherd to save me from myself and bring me safely back to the fold.  There are other times when I need saving from danger.  Perhaps it seems everyone is out to get me or trouble just seems to find me.  My health is declining, my family is crumbling, my life is out of control.  No matter what the threat, I can trust in God to either rescue me from it, carry me through it, or deliver me by it.  Whichever way, God will save me. I have nothing to fear.

As vulnerable and weak as I am, I am in need of a Savior who is Jesus Christ my Lord. 

My Stronghold

I remember climbing the steep hill to medieval castle, wondering who would have been able to successfully attack this structure during it's heyday.  As I crossed over the draw bridge, I looked down into a deep moat.  The walls surrounding the fortress were several feet thick, strongly guarding all who lived within it's barricade.  There was no doubt in my mind that whoever lived in this home would be safe regardless of the size of the threat. 

Even though modern ages don't call for taking this same kind of precautions in our homes, I am still threatened in my ways.  But God has promised to serve as my fortress.  The vultures may circle, predators may prowl and enemies may threaten but I can stand safely in my refuge.  The Apostle Paul reminds me that, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"  (Romans 8:31)  There is not threat that can stand against the Almighty!

It kind of reminds me of this Great Pyrenee dog that lived on the corner near my rural childhood home.  When I had to ride my bike or jog past the house, I would tread lightly for fear of disturbing the sleeping giant.  If he sensed my presence, he would charge me, growling, barking and shaking his head as saliva foamed from his mouth.  I was terrified of this big hairy beast!  

Early one morning I picked up a large rock as I made my way toward his house.  When I saw him crossing the threshold of the ditch and enter the roadway, I charge him, throwing the rock with all my might.  At the sight of the victim becoming attacker, the canine retreated with his tail between his legs, yelping back down the driveway.  I've got your number  I thought.  All bark and no bite.  I knew this dog would not really attack me; but he sure put on a good show!

Similarly, the threats I encounter on a regular basis truly have no power over me as I keep in mind that God is my protection.  Whatever comes my way, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional, I can stand strong under the hand of the One who made all things, is the Author of my life plan and who treasures me above all that He has made. 

 As danger threatens, I can stand firm when I place my trust in God as my refuge.  

There is no doubt that Daniel's friends faced life-threatening danger.  They had every reason to be afraid, but they did not fear because they knew their God was up for the job.  If I trust Him in the same way, I can rely on His light to guide me through the darkness, allow Him to save me from danger, and rest in the middle of the storm as He wraps His loving arms around me to form a safe place.

It is then that I will claim God as my Defender and can say with confidence that "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stand strong in the midst of the fire, knowing that God will deliver me.  

How do I get distracted by the darkness and walk out of the Light?

When is it easy for me to give up hope, forgetting that the very power of God is just a prayer away?

Rise from the Dust

“Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14

"I can do all this through him

who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13

"I can't do this anymore."

I have heard many in utter despair whisper these words of hopelessness.  Out of a place of sheer misery I have used this phrase.  It is often the last thought before someone takes their own life.  "I give up. . . .I can't do this anymore. . . "

I despair when I don't recognize the goodness and power of God all around me.  The feelings of hopelessness overwhelm and threaten to drown me, as if there is nothing that can pluck me out of the engulfing waters of depression.

God, however, has promised to keep my head above the waters.  He has exhorted me in Isaiah 43:1b-2 to, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."

When I feel I am living in the dust, being trampled on by the hardships of life, there are some things I can do to rise from the shadows so Christ's light will shine upon me.

Fill Up

There are many things in this life that I can choose to fill up on.  I can find my fulfillment in work, my relationships, my family, my hobbies or in attaining the latest gadgets. 

All of these things will disappoint.  I cannot truly find fulfillment until I am filled with the Spirit of the One who created Me, who knows my purpose, and who gives my life meaning.  

To be filled with God's Spirit, however, I have to empty myself of me.  This does not mean I become someone other than myself.  Instead, it means that I surrender my will in exchange for God's will.  It means I let go of fleshly desires that lead away from God.  It means I become less and He becomes more, resulting in a more authentic me, as God intended me to live.   

Jesus is not a bully.  He does not force His way into anyone's life.  Instead, He patiently stands at the door of my heart, waiting for me to invite Him in and be Lord of my life.

God's Spirit dwelling within me will give me a sense of purpose and produce His fruit as evidence of His presence.

When I am feeling down, it may be because I am not filled up with the life-giving Spirit of God.

Exhort

It is often said that if you want to feel better about your situation in life, it is good to reach out and help someone else.

In a similar way, it is important that I step outside of myself and take the time to support others with a Word of encouragement.  God did not place me on this earth to suffer alone.  Rather, He situated me in a Body which is designed to live in community.

For this reason, I remember that my suffering is not for nothing.  Instead, I can give praise to, "the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Exhorting others with the Word of God is essential to living a life of abundance.

Sing

Every morning I hear the sound of birds singing their praises to God.  As a created creature, they are acting according to the programming God has placed inside of them.

Unfortunately for us, even though we are designed to praise God, we are also sinful beings who are easily overwhelmed with the troubles of this world.  Jesus warned us of this fact when He said, "In the world you will have tribulation;"  He did not, however, end the warning there.  He continued on by saying, "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)

It is possible for me to sing praises to God in the midst of the storm.  Doing so will bring peace to my heart and give honor to God who is good despite my seemingly dire situation.  His goodness is not diminished by my circumstances, and giving Him praise is what I am designed to do. 

As I, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." (Psalm 33:3) my heart will be transformed from a dark place of hopelessness to a dwelling of Light and thankfulness.

Life is hard and there are many times when I feel trampled upon by the cares of this life.  But filling up with God's Spirit, encouraging others with a His Word, and singing praises and thanks to Him will help me to rise from the dust and find a place in the light.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will not let the worries of life consume me.

How do I let troubles be my main focus instead of training my eyes on God who is goodness and light?

When do I fail to support others because I am overwhelmed with my own troubles?

 



The Secret

I have learned to be content

whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11b-13

Some secrets are meant to be told.  It seems whenever I know something special and empowering, I don't want to keep it to myself.  I want to tell others, encouraging them with the same encouragement I have received from God.  After all, following Christ in a fallen world is hard enough without gaining strength from one another on a regular basis.  We all can use all the support we can get. 

The apostle Paul is a great encourager!  In today's passage, he sandwiched a nugget of truth within a word of thanks for the faithful support of the church at Philippi.  He couldn't help but reveal the secret he had found for being content. 

Contentment does not come naturally to my sinful nature.  In fact, I find myself using the common ground of grumbling to open a conversation with complete strangers!  I know everyone can relate to the drudgery of laundry, the irritation of whining children in a crowded grocery store, or the frustration of waiting in line while the clerks seem to take their time.  I'm good at finding fault with my circumstances.

But Paul learned the secret of accepting his circumstances and being satisfied.  This is the kind of secret I can't wait to hear!

Learned

Have you ever been told, "You've got a lot to learn!"  These words are usually said in the context of an argument and are meant as a put-down.  But there is much truth in the content of the message.  I do have a lot to learn.  And one of the things that I am able to learn is to be content.  Complaining comes naturally.  I don't have to work at that.  But contentment is something at which I must work. 

It is not normal for me to accept my circumstances.  I am always wanting more, or less, in all things.  Either it is too hot, or too cold.  Very rarely is it just right.  Many times I want more clothes and get tired of wearing the same thing time and time again.  But other times I think I have so much that I can't decide what to wear!  I am a person of habit so it is easy for me to get into a rut of what I eat for breakfast.  After awhile, I tire of the same old thing, desiring something different but not knowing what it is I want.  It seems I'm never happy.

This reminds me of our dog.  If he is in, he wants to go out.  If he is out, he wants to come in.  We often tell him that he's never happy!  And I guess I should know, because this illustrates my attitude, as well.  The difference is, however, that I do have hope.  God has given me the ability to learn, and contentment is one of the skills I can acquire.

Since we only remember 10% of what we read and 20% of what we hear, it seems it won't be very effective to try to learn contentment by studying about it or hearing lectures on it.  The good news is that I can remember 90% of what I say and do, so if I start practicing contentment, I will learn to be content!  Being begins by doing.

Not Circumstantial

As I begin to practice contentment, I start to see that satisfaction with my circumstances is not at all based on my circumstances!  It is simply the way I view my surroundings.  It is making the decision to accept where God has placed me as well as who He has place me with, the state of my health in this situation and all other supportive factors that go along with my present location.  In a nutshell, it is "blooming where I am planted."

At the base of it, contentment is really an attitude of thanksgiving to God and trust in God, acknowledging His Sovereignty and bowing to His choice for my life.  When I am constantly complaining, either out loud to others, or within to myself, I am essentially telling God that I don't like what He has chosen for my life, I think His plan stinks and that I could choose better if given half the chance.

The thing is, I am not in control.  God is.  And no amount of complaining is going to change that fact.  It is only going to make me and those around me miserable.  The bottom line is that accepting my circumstances, whatever they may be, brings peace to me and my family.  And like the wisdom of God that is revealed in Proverbs 14:30 reminds us, "A heart at peace gives life to the body,  but envy rots the bones."  Contentment promotes a healthy lifestyle while living in a state of always wanting more will ruin my wellbeing.  Questioning God's plan for my life can never be good for me!

Empowered by God

I remember helping my daughters to learn to ride their bikes.  In the beginning, they did not have the balance or confidence to try to pedal all on their own.  I had to run along beside them, holding them up.  This is how God is with us.  We do not have the ability to choose contentment from our storehouse of natural abilities.  As I previously stated, my discontent is innate. 

But with God, all things are possible!  He is doing a new thing in my life!  I don't have to be stuck in the pattern of my old way of thinking.  Instead, I can put my hope in the Lord and soar! 

Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

I am not bound to my natural inclinations!  I have the choice to turn to my God and ask him to give me an attitude adjustment, showing me all that I have for which to be thankful.  Suddenly, the grumbling disappears and is replaced with a grateful heart. 

A child looks on the ground and sees a beautiful gem, while a more cynical adult sees a worthless rock.  I want to gain the outlook of that child, seeing the good and valuable in all that surrounds me.  And not so that I will live at peace, although that is a pleasant outcome.  Perhaps the most important reason for an attitude of contentment comes from 17th century scholar and author William Law.  "One who makes it a rule to be content in every part and accident of life because it comes from God praises God in a much higher manner than one who has some set time for the singing of psalms."

Learning to be content no matter the circumstances is possible with God's strength.  But it is also essential if I want to praise Him with my life.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can learn to accept things the way they are instead of wishing things were different.

How am I dishonoring God with my poor attitude?

Where can I better accept the circumstances in which God has place me?