Last week was school vacation for us. And I spent a lot of time on our couch. While I love relaxing on our couch, this is not my favorite place to be, except if I am watching Fixer Upper, which I was not. Two trips to our primary and two rounds of antibiotics landed me exactly where I was positioned, much to my dismay.
Psalm 20 filled my thoughts for days, even as I shared some from there in my post yesterday.
We are dependent on God every day for such a variety of reasons. The daily demands often are enough all on their own to cause us to reaffirm our reliance on Him alone.
God is looking to fulfill His purposes in each of our lives. He wants us to come to Him, expressing our hearts and needs to Him.
An interesting story was shared in The Holman Old Testament Commentary of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader, who was once asked, “Is God on the side of France?” So full of himself, his power, and the weapons available, he responded, “God is on the side that has the heaviest artillery.” Later on, he was heard to boast, “I make circumstances.” Eventually he lost both battle and reign. Now unseated and exiled, his thoughts shifted and he was heard to quote Thomas a Kempis, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”
Napoleon had learned a hard lesson – God is sovereign. Over all circumstances. Over all people. He alone controls our destinies.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They {{those who trust in other things}} are brought down to their knees and fall; but we rise up and stand firm.” (Psalm 20:7-8, NIV)
How amazing is that! We may fall, but it is in His strength, and in His Name, that we rise up again to stand firm. We are established and strengthened. We do not stand up in the same condition by which we went down.
It was with this assurance, David later penned,
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;
thought he stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
(Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)
Trust Him today.
May He establish and strengthen you.
And may you rise up and stand firm in Him.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Titus 2 Tuesday .
“We do not stand up in the same condition by which we went down.” ~ beautifully said, Joanne. Thank you for this sweet reminder that He is the strength of our lives. Blessed to be neighboring you at Katie’s place this morning. ((sweet blessings))
I loved that you brought the reminder, He is the strength of our lives and our portion forever. He will always be enough to meet the demands of each of our days. Blessings to you!
He is a sovereign God indeed – so glad that we can stand firm in Him. Great graphic too! Hope you are feeling better, Joanne. No fun sick couch sitting. 🙁 Visiting from #testimonytuesday.
Thank you for your encouragement, Tiffany. It may not be fun sitting on the couch sick but there are times it offers us the best perspective 🙂 Always good to read your words!
Amen. I’ve been a roller coaster of sort this past month because my plans is being “delayed”. So important to stand our ground in faith. Thank you.
May you continue to stand firm, Lux, and let Him unfold His plan for you. Blessings!
The last quote by Napoleon was quoted a lot by preachers when I was growing up. My mother-in-law always said “the Lord willing” when she mentioned anything they planned to do. So today I stand — making plans, but wholly dependant on God’s will.
Not being much of a fan of history while growing up, I had never heard the Napoleon quotes. But yes, growing up there were many who said “the Lord willing” when planning. May we seek Him in all we plan.
Love that verse from Psalm 20. Thanks for sharing your encouraging as part of the #RaRaLinkup
It is always encouraging to join you all each week. Have a blessed Sunday!
Was a wonderful way of sharing and I sure loved the photo with the psalm. Thank you for sharing in your special way.
Thank you so much for being your encouraging self which always makes me smile! Blessings to you!
I too have done some “resting” these past days, not by choice but this cough has kicked out all my energy. I am better than I was, but still coughing, just not as bad.
There are times when we are down that we can reflect and meditate. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Hazel, I can so understand what you are saying and I am so hoping that with the passing of each day, you have improved. It is amazing how much energy is expended on coughing. Prayed for you today!