Stand, #1
Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
The last few years have challenged us physically, financially, socially, mentally, and, might I add, spiritually. Widespread disease, a diminished economy, anxiety about socializing, intrusive depressing thoughts, and the challenge to our confidence that God is in control, have weakened us. Will 2023 be different?
As I contemplated the arrival of a new year, the Lord dropped a word in my heart: Stand. Don’t cower, don’t weaken, don’t tremble. Stand fast, firm, fixed. The Lord reminded of my own words, written in 2019 and too easily forgotten. They are an antidote to fear that allow hope to once again flow.
- Hold your eyes higher—above troubling circumstances.
- Open your heart to God’s opportunities—this is not a dead end, but a turn in the road.
- Ponder the positive, not the problems—replace negative fears and worries with assurances of God’s love and sovereignty.
- Expect grace—don’t wait for the other shoe to drop, but anticipate God’s blessing. He’s all about grace!
These practices will feed our hope and enable us to stand in 2023.
BARBARA HIGBY 