I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN

 

 April 26, 2024

EPHESIANS 6:11

11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

EPHESIANS 6:13-17

13Therefore 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.

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Psalm 16:8

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN

Have you ever seen the picture of that lone Chinese man standing in front of a line of tanks? It's this iconic snapshot from years ago because it is a thrilling picture of courage and a man who was standing firm. Just an average looking slender guy. I think he was wearing black pants and a white shirt. He's all by Himself in front of these war machines that could easily crush him and kill him. But there he is, and he stands firm. The lead tank gets within feet of his face, but he doesn't move. He doesn't wobble, he doesn't run. He stands firm.

That picture makes me think of something that Jesus said in Matthew 24. We have read it a few times this week. He said “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Jesus said you could be living in a war zone. In the harshest of situation. Love could be completely absent, but if you stand firm to the end, you will be rescued.

It is easy to feel scared or anxious  in the “real world” because of constant change and uncertain circumstances. That is what makes Psalm 16 so encouraging. It is amazing to know that the real constant in life is the love and power of God. He has never changed in the past and He will never change in the future. God will always love us and God is always good.

When we keep God in our focus, we do not need to be alarmed about the shifting sands of life. Things around us can be constantly breaking, sinking and moving, but God promises that if we keep our eyes on Him, we “will not be shaken.”

We need God. In Him, we have consistency and a firm foundation. This foundation is how we find peace in the midst of chaos. This peace that we can have is a true testament to the power of God, and this ultimately brings glory to Him.

So, when you feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the ever-changing world, turn your eyes to the never-changing God. You will not be shaken. You will be able to stand firm.

This makes me think of the words of the Apostle Paul, He said this.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God. So that you can take your stand. 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. Stand firm them with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.

Let us keep our eyes always on the Lord. . . and we will not be shaken.”