Our Unshakeable God

I read a verse in my quiet time that just ushered me into the presence of the Lord.

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

It seems like everything around me/us is being shaken.  Even in my limited space here in South Africa - things are continually shaken.  But God's love, peace, and compassion WILL NOT be shaken.  Absolutely nothing that can happen to me can remove God's wonderful presence all around me.  And He understands when I feel shaken - He has compassion on me.  My heart is overflowing with thankfulness.

I've been listening to a chorus - "we are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around."  I felt the Lord saying to me today - I'm on holy ground right where I am.  I'm in a home that God provided for us.  I look out at His amazingly beautiful creation every day.  I'm alone - but not alone.  His presence with me is closer than the air I breathe.  In my sweet home here in South Africa, I'm on holy ground.  So precious!

Our wonderful God is unshakeable.  He's never exhausted.  He never fails.  He is the constant in my life at all times.  He is unchangeable.  His love is firmer than the highest mountain, and boundless like the deepest seas.  And with Him, I live on holy ground.  I can't even explain to you how this revelation washed over me like precious waves of His goodness.  So special!

And His sweet peace - I couldn't survive without that.  When I'm weak.  When I feel I'm failing.  When I'm alone.  When I'm in pain.  When things are changing all around - His peace is always there to surround me and remind me of His goodness.  The most wonderful balm!

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"For He Himself is our peace."  Ephesians 2:14

Every day, every hour, every minute - 24/7 - my unchangeable, unshakeable God is with me covering me with His peace.  So awesome!

The Crown of Life

Along with millions around the world, I have been watching some of the Olympics the last couple weeks.

Swimming and diving, gymnastics, and track are some of my favorites.  I've never been very athletic - I hated phys ed class in school - so I love watching these champions of sports.  Triumphs and letdowns.  Hopes and disappointments.  Success and failures.  Cheers and tears.  It's all been there.  It's been amazing to watch!

I've thought of the thousands of hours of training that have gone into the performances of the athletes.  They have sacrificed lots of things in order to accomplish reaching the top levels of their sports.  It's required great discipline, and lots of hard work.  Their success has not come easily.

As I've watched all this and reflected on it, it has reminded me a lot of our Christian walk.  Many of the same principles apply, and we face some of the same ups and downs.  We have good days and bad days.  We are victorious, and we sin and fail.  We step out in faith, and we have some disappointments.  We have some tears along the way.  Our walk with the Lord requires discipline, and even sacrifice at times.  

But, unlike the Olympics, we ALL receive a reward - an eternity with our loving Savior.  Greater than any medal around our neck, any trophy, any certificate - we will hear the Lord say "well done, good and faithful servant."  What a glorious reward that will be!  We have much to look forward to.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."  Matthew 5:12

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.' "  Matthew 25:21

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14

I am challenged afresh to learn and grow and walk in God's ways.  My race is still ongoing, and I want to finish well.  I can't do it alone, so I'm immensely grateful that the Lord walks beside me day by day.  He is so faithful!