"I keep the Lord always before me; because he as at my right hand I shall not be moved" Psalm 16:8.
The words of the psalmist are true. I wish they were always true for me. I do not always keep the Lord before me. When I do, I am alive with the life of Christ, immovable by the drives of my flesh and the powers of the world. The "right hand" refers to political and military support against foes. The right hand is the primary blow, the strong force against the enemy. The enemy, in my case, is the old self. That person that I am without God. Selfish, impatient, discontent, rude...the list goes on. When I face that enemy with the Lord at my right hand, the battle isn't even fought. The old self runs away with his tail between his legs. When I fight that battle alone, without the Lord at my right hand, the enemy laughs with delight, for the battle has already been won in his favor. This parenting thing has made it abundantly clear that I do not keep the Lord always before me and at my right hand. Those first 3 days of Asher's life were a true test of where my life in Christ really is, and it was a test that showed me how far I have to go. In the midst of an entirely new world run by a helpless and beautiful child I practically waived the white flag and let the old self make residence. I was outside of my spiritual structure and strength, left to battle alone. Needless to say, I ended up black and blue, with more than a few scars on my family as well, and all while the Lord waited for me to call upon Him to go before me and be my right hand. Trying to fight any spiritual battle with my own spirit rather than the Spirit of God is a total joke. But when the Lord is at my right hand, there leading the way and speaking truth, I am grounded in love and those things of the Spirit flow out of me. You know: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Suddenly I'm not just a tolerable person who has moments of self-willed Jesus imitations. I am naturally and freely Christ's own body to my son, my wife, and the world.
"Oh Lord, may the psalmists words be true every day of my life. How I long to keep you always before me and at my right hand so that I will never be moved. Thank you for showing me the futility of my self-will once more. Thank you for being available to me again when I finally called on your name. Through the risen Christ, please give me the wisdom to never leave your side, for there are important people around me who you have called me to love and serve by your power and in your name."
This is my heart's desire.
ReplyDeleteThis passage really struck me:
"But when the Lord is at my right hand, there leading the way and speaking truth, I am grounded in love and those things of the Spirit flow out of me. You know: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Suddenly I'm not just a tolerable person who has moments of self-willed Jesus imitations. I am naturally and freely Christ's own body to my son, my wife, and the world."
Any "fruit" I try to bear in my own strength is tasteless compared to His. What's that verse about our acts and sacrifices being like filthy rags to Him? Well I think our well-intentioned "fruit" is often spoiled and bitter and rotten. I know mine is.
Only HE can bear true fruit...fruit that nourishes us and those around us. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."
This is my daily struggle. Truly, how does one go about making God their right hand on a daily basis? Is this best accomplished through prayer and study?
Amen Nicki! I've learned that one day is too long. I have to make God my right hand on a moment by moment basis. Prayer and study are certainly the foundation, but I'm learning that self-awareness is a huge key. If you can't be truly honest with yourself, it makes it hard to know what to pray for. I'm not suggesting that we can analyze ourselves into Christian growth, but each time I discover a new depth to my condition and put my finger on the real problem, I'm able to find healing and wholeness much better. I've also found that talking with trusted family and friends about where I really am gives me not only support but a deeper understanding and articulation of my need for God.
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