Stand Fast
God only knows
God makes His plans
The information's unavailable
To the mortal man
We're working our jobs
Collect our pay
Believe were gliding down the highway
When in fact we're slip slidin' away
Those are the words of Paul Simon. A rather cynical perspective, wouldn't you say? God, powerful as He may be, is removed from the affairs of all of us little people. He doesn't speak to us, hasn't the courtesy to even let us in on His big plan. We simply glide down the highway of life, uninformed, unaware of the profound reality. Life is just slip sliding away. . .so the song goes. Deal with it.
This song could melt some of us into a puddle of melancholy goo. But before we run to the freezer to soothe our inner angst with a pint of Häagan Dazs, we need to hear the words of another Paul.
"Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved" (Philippians 4:1 NKJV).
How can you stand fast when at times your life feels like it is completely out of control?
Let me answer that question with another question.
How do you think Paul the Apostle could have the stability to endure all those beatings, storms at sea, stonings, shipwrecks, cold, hunger, attacks against his authority, attacks against his message, attacks against his integrity, and still be a rock?
He gives us the answer in verse 20 of the previous chapter.
"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (NIV).
Okay. . .if that doesn't blow your mind, you didn't get it. Read it again. . .Our citizenship is in heaven!
- And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!
- who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
- will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like his glorious body!
In the big and small things we face in life, no matter if it is a crisis or a petty quarrel, when seen in the context of the hugeness of the universe—and the God who hangs the stars in space and also loves you—this truth should have a stabilizing effect.
If not, perhaps it is because you haven't really believed it is true.
Can you see your life in the view of God's ultimate big picture?
Until you do, you won't have the inner stability to stand firm.
Maybe you need to step outside your front door and look up at the night sky and the vastness of space. If you can see the Big Dipper or Venus, let it thrill you.
Or simply google the Hubble telescope and gaze at the images of the universe. Think about how great and powerful this God is who has etched you on the palms of His hands!
- Remember who you are in Christ.
- Remember all Christ has done for you.
- Remember where you are headed.
