For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
Psalm 18:31-32
In this verse we see how our Lord is our firm foundation, for He is a rock where we have sure footing. See, without sure footing we are unable to stand, much less walk. Without a firm foundation there is difficulty.
On the other hand, with a firm foundation not only are we able to stand, we are able to walk, and run, and jump. People may sink in quicksand, but we who are in sure footing are more than able to pull them out. As we are on solid rock, it is not us who are pulled down, but rather we pull up those who are sinking.
For we not only have sure footing on a sure foundation - the Word continues to say that we are 'armed' with strength. We are empowered. We are enabled to move, to act. This is all done through the Holy Spirit, with Whom our Father has filled us, through Christ. We are in Christ, and in Christ we are filled with the Holy Spirit - This is the Spirit described in the Word as a Spirit of power, love, and sound judgment. This is the Spirit with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This is the Spirit that enables us not only to move, not only to act, but to work, not for salvation, but from it. This is the Spirit that constantly leads us into all Truth, and this Truth tells us that we are saved not by works, but by grace. This truth tells us that sin has no dominion over us, for we are under grace.
We are armed with the Spirit. This means that we are not directed by fear. We are not overcome by confusion. This means that we are equipped and overflowing with power, love, and sound judgment. As we have been enabled, so we are able to enable others. As we are directed, so we can direct others. And as we are loved, so we are able to love others.
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
The Lord is our Rock. The Lord strengthens us through the Holy Spirit. The Lord directs us, above all things, with love. The paths we take are taken under the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father, and we are constantly saturated with His presence. We are overflowing, above all things, with love. We are well provided for, we have abundance - we have abundance, above all things, in love - This is the true, everlasting, unfailing love from our Father.
Oh, that my mind would stay constantly open to His love, His glory, mercy and grace! That even in this world that curses and hates His Name, we would always allow the flow of His Spirit, unhindered! Truly, in Christ alone do we find our meaning, our being, in Christ alone do we live, breathe, and move!
He is not only our Rock, but our Strength to stand.
So whether the sun fades or shines, though there be lakes and forests before us, though the signs we rely on are unclear.. in the light or the shadow, we shall fear nothing. For our Good Shepherd is with us, and His rod and staff comfort us.
Oh, praise the Lord. Praise and bless His holy name, oh my soul.
Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria.
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email me at jibee@rocketmail.com.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you His Shalom. - Numbers 6:24-26