He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalm 40:2

It’s fun to stand on the sand in shallow ocean water, feeling the waves shift our stance. We plant our feet in the wet sand and resist the tide’s challenge. But when menacing weather or rising waters threaten, we look for solid rock. We don’t allow ourselves to be helplessly pulled into the mire, but find firm ground.

Too often we’re not aware of our precarious footing until our balance is threatened and we suddenly scramble for the safety of solid rock. Whether the threat is self-imposed, or from a flash storm, or mutely poses danger, we need to find safety if we want to stay on our feet. We may grapple, slipping and sliding in our climb to firm ground, but when we cry to God He rescues us, setting us safely on rock.

Look down at your feet. Where are you standing? Don’t wait for danger… find secure footing now. Step out of emotion and onto truth. Feelings are fickle, truth is secure. Stand on the rock that is Jesus and be safe.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house;
yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25

“…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow,
and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17

These words were spoken when Israel was fully surrounded by multiple armies who came to seize their inheritance. A prophet gave the people this instruction:

• Take up your positions
• Stand firm
• See the Lord’s deliverance
• Do not be afraid
• Do not be discouraged
• Face them

If you are God’s child, you have an enemy who wants to take what God has given you—life, hope, joy, peace, purpose, mission, fulfilment, confidence—more gifts than I can list. In short, God has blessed us with everything we need for a rich, full life to bless Him and others, so protect what’s yours and heed the prophet’s words.

Take up your position—clad in the armor God provides. Stand firm—don’t waver. Watch—the Lord is your Deliverer. Don’t be afraid or discouraged—your enemy is a liar. Face him—don’t back down!

Stand, #3

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

With a river blocking the way before them and an army advancing behind them, the Israelites were terrified. Maybe you’ve been there—unable to see your way forward but not able to go back. If so, you can identify with the Israelites’ fear. Moses’ answer seemed unreasonable:

• Do not be afraid.
• Stand firm.
• See the deliverance of the Lord.
• God will fight for you.
• Stand still.

Yes, this is humanly impossible when all we see is the threat, but when we lift our eyes above the circumstances and focus on God we are able to put fear in its place, stand firm, be still, and await God’s deliverance because He fights for us. He is no different today than when He opened the sea to rescue Israel and drowned their enemy.

Stand still, confident in God. You may have to walk through mud, but expect Him to part the waters and make a way.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 
Jeremiah 29:11

Stand, #2

Stand firm then, with… truth… righteousness…
peace… faith… salvation and… the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:14-18

You may have learned, as I did, that stubbornly standing does not ensure success. Stubbornness allows us to feel determined and enjoy an exaggerated perception of strength but, like other good intentions, it won’t win any wars. God gives us what we need to win.

We may get hung up with the specific pieces of armor listed in Ephesians 6—belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword—but when we step aside from the imagery we find our basic provisions.

• God is the truth.
• He makes us righteous.
• He gives us peace and makes us peacemakers.
• He gives us faith and makes us faithful.
• He saved us, making us His.
• His manual is the Word of God.

It is ALL we need—and it is all we NEED.

So, “don’t leave home without it.” Don’t try to stand without being protected and armed. Rely on truth, not feelings. Act with integrity. Step forward in the confidence of peace. Be secure in your faith. Know that your salvation has placed you in the army of the redeemed. Immerse yourself in the Word.

Now… you are ready to stand!