On my side!

Back in February this year, when I was dealing with some major health issues, I looked for people who would be on my side! There were prayer partners who came to stand with me and ask the Lord to heal me. Their earnest prayers still linger in my memory. There were health professionals, men and women who brought their training and skills to my aid. There was my beloved wife who encouraged me and held me close when I was afraid. In that season of weakness I came to know, more than ever before, the importance of the network in place. I am a fairly strong, resilient, and self-reliant man; but I know that only a foolish person would attempt to navigate life alone.

There is Another that is on my side all the time! Perhaps that sounds somewhat selfish to you, but if you’re walking with Christ, He’s on your side, too! In one of the most amazing, challenging, comforting passages in the Bible, we learn about God’s intervention for us, how He has set us right with Himself, how He is working in all the circumstances of our lives to accomplish what He has purposed. Then we read, "the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans." (Romans 8:26, The Message) "After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?" (Romans 8:30-31, The Message)

God is on my side! He’s taken up my case! He’s an active Advocate for me! I know this and it steadies, encourages, and strengthens me. Only when I forget this rich resource, do I slide into the fear. When I look only at my own puny abilities stacked up against life, I can feel real panic. Sure, I have financial resources, a bright and active mind, and some training that help me deal with what is coming my life, but still; I am no match for temptation, aging, or even the pastoral work that is my life’s work. But, with God on my side, I am renewed in courage, infused with hope, and granted the Spirit’s wisdom. I cannot earn a place at His side; I am invited, by His grace to stand there! But, to stay there, I must give the Spirit to all that I am, be willing to submit to His correction, and live authentically, never taking credit for what is His work.

Disciple, God wants you to know that He’s on your side. You do not have to wrestle with the world’s systems, the sinful nature, or even the demons of darkness alone. You need not go through the stresses of this life – and there will be stress! – fearful and alone. In Christ, you are His beloved child. He’s your able Advocate, on your side. Thank Him for that. If He shows you attitudes or actions that are separating you from His holy love, leave them and turn to Him. Don’t walk alone!

From David’s songs, we find a passage that I want to leave with you. Read it with hope and faith.

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.


You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall." (Psalm 18:25-29, NIV)

It’s time to advance, not arrogantly nor in self-confidence; but in the sure word that “with God on our side like this, how can we lose?”
If you would like to read the whole song of David, here’s a link to Psalm 18.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2018&version=NIV

_______________________

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked come to Thee for dress,
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul I to the fountain fly,
Wash me Savior or I die.

Could my tears forever flow?
Could my zeal no languor know?
These for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to thy cross I cling.

Rock Of Ages
Toplady, Augustus M. / Hastings, Thomas

© Public Domain