UNSHAKEABLE: Like me, you have a growing sense of the world’s instability as never before. That’s because Planet Earth is being shaken—not only in the metaphysical sense but even in the physical realm. That shouldn’t surprise us as believers because the Bible predicted long ago that as God’s sovereign clock for the end of the age winds down, the world would start coming apart at the seams. The question for us, then, is, can we, and if we can, how do we live unshakeable lives in these times of instability? My first response to that question is that we must be rooted in God’s truth as never before. That means you must regularly read your Bible, reflect on what you’ve read, memorize it, pray it back to God, share it, and most of all, live it out. That is why I’m inviting you to join me during the first quarter of 2023 in saturating your heart and mind with the Book of Romans. Why Romans? Well, as the famed reformer Martin Luther said, “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.” Simply put, Romans is the Constitution of our Christian Faith! (Below, I have provided a preview of what this journey will include—a look at one of the great promises from Romans 8 that will give you confidence as you begin 2023.) I look forward to sharing my devotional journey with you week by week and chapter by chapter. And I would love to get your thoughts as you read each chapter, so feel free to add your comments below. Cheers to an unshakeable New Year!
Unshakeable Living // Romans 8:31-32
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
One of my favorite hymns—yeah, I still love them—was written by the German composer, Joachim Neander in the 1600s. It still resonates with worshipers of all ages some 400 years later. I particularly relish this line in the fourth verse,
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriends thee.
Think about that for a moment—it will change your day, not to mention the New Year ahead. As a matter of fact, it will change the trajectory of the rest of your life. The only thing I would change in this otherwise magnificent hymn is the one little word in the second line, “if.” For me, and anyone else who has been redeemed by God’s marvelous grace, that word rather should be, “since.” “If” speaks of possibility, “since” reflects reality!
God has indeed befriended us, amazing as that sounds. If you are having trouble grasping that, go back and read the entirety of Romans 8. What you will find there are some jaw-dropping realities of what God has already done for you through Christ Jesus. Not the least of which is simply yet powerfully this: God has clearly and deliberately stated that he is for you! And, as Paul logically concludes, since that is true, nothing and no one can be against you.
Does that sound like someone has over-promised you something? If it were simply another human being making that claim, I would be suspicious of their ability to deliver on that pledge. But keep in mind that the One declaring this vow to you is God himself! And here is the Almighty’s certification: He offered Jesus, literally, through his virgin birth, sinless life, and sacrificial death, as the guarantee that his promise is 100% good,
If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? (Rom 8:32, MSG)
Now since it is firmly established that you and I are friends of the Almighty, the realities of blessing, protection, provision, success, and satisfaction in the days, months, and year to come, along with eternity for that matter, are unlimited—limited only by our unbelief.
So, indeed, take a moment to ponder anew what it means to walk in moment-by-moment friendship with your Almighty Father. I guarantee this: it will make all your moments to come a whole lot brighter.
Praise to the Lord,
The Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him,
For He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear,
Now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord,
Who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings,
Yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen
How all your longings have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord,
Who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness
And mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord,
O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath,
Come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
Yes, for gladly we adore Him. How could we not?
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