On the Lord's side?

People were everywhere in our house for the last few days. A pile of shoes, large and small, was just inside our front door. Every room overflowed with bags, clothes, and coats. Who were these people? Our family! They came from their places to be at the home of Mom and Dad to celebrate Christmas together. As the years passed, my kids moved far apart – geographically and in their experiences, each one uniquely gifted; and yet, they are still ‘part of the family.’ We argue with each other, even criticize decisions others have made, but we are still ‘family,’ and those ties are strong! There is a tremendous sense of security that comes from being connected and knowing who stands alongside of us in ‘the family!’

This morning in my meditation in the Word, I spent some time with a passage in the Psalms. It speaks of ‘the LORD who is on my side’ and the security that comes from knowing to Whom we belong. Take a look. "If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. … Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8, NIV)

The Heavenly Father calls us into His family and there we find a home, an identity, security, and Someone who is ‘on our side.’ To attempt to buy His favor is a big mistake. To even think of earning a place at His table is an affront to Him! He is on our side because He loves us. We have only to receive His favor by faith! Genuine faith produces real life change and we become holy sons and daughters who love Him and live close to Him. The Word tells us that because we are ‘in the family’ even in times of trouble we are steady. "Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation." (Romans 5:1-4, NLT)

Christian, as I look in 2009, I see some rough water ahead for us! The simmering resentments in the world are ready to explode into more violence. The economic outlook is dark for America. Many of us face personal challenges and difficulties, too. Let us not forget that the “LORD is on our side!”

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. … When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor." (James 4:7-10, NLT)
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Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are Thine.

Who Is On The Lord's Side
Havergal, Frances R. / Reichardt, C. Luise © Public Domain