The last few years have been tumultuous and challenging. In 2020 we experienced the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its knock-on effects on our personal lives. War has broken out in Europe and, in many parts of the world, the challenges of financial inflation have led to rising costs of living. It may seem that we can have little impact on these global events but we have a God who knows what has been and what is to come. In this blog we are going to unpack the importance of a daily devotional for men in helping us to trust God and to learn from Him.
In these uncertain times, it is often helpful to reflect on the promises of God that we are given in Scripture. God promises to be our anchor, our refuge and our strength. He promises to be with us through every season, to fight for us and to protect us at all times. As people of faith, God invites us to trust in Him as our rock and as our shelter. In these troubled times, the Bible encourages us to always remember that God is a strong foundation who we can build our lives on. That's why a daily devotional is so important. But what does this look like, and how can we stand firm as Christian men in 2023, whatever comes our way?
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 We can often look at the events of the world around us and wonder what the future holds. We can sometimes worry about what’s in store for ourselves, for our families, and for our careers. This verse in 1 Corinthians is pertinent for such a time as this. For through it God is calling each of us to “stand firm in the faith”, not being swayed by the ways of the world nor the circumstances of life. The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that God is on the throne. Whatever is in store for the year ahead, God is in control and He has a great plan for your life. While we don’t know what the future holds, we do know who holds it. And we know that He is inviting us to trust in Him; to trust that He has gone before us and to trust that He is in control. Throughout the Bible we encounter stories in which God invites people to trust Him. Oftentimes this invitation to trust comes in a moment of doubt, fear or uncertainty. Through the stories of Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Rahab, the disciples and many others, we see time and time again that God simply requires our trust. God doesn’t need us to have everything figured out. He doesn’t ask us to get everything in order. He simply asks us to trust Him. Reflect for a moment on this invitation to stand firm in the Lord. What would it look like for you to trust more fully in Jesus as your rock in 2023?
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11
In Ephesians 6 we come across a famous biblical passage which talks about the armor of God. This armor is something that God promises to us in our Christian walk. It contains the spiritual tools that we need in order to stand firm in God. Through Christ, we have access to righteousness, peace, faith and the Word of God. These are all tools that help us to take our stand as men of God.
When it comes to standing firm in 2023, you are not on your own. God hasn’t left you to stand on your own, without any support or assistance. You do not need to attempt to stand firm in your own strength. You have been given the armor of God, to equip you to stand against whatever comes your way this year, and to remain standing on the rock of Christ through all the seasons of life. Consider what it means for your walk with God that you have full access to the armor of God that we read about in Ephesians 6. How can you strengthen your trust in God this year by remembering that God has equipped you to stand firm in Him?
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:1
So what does it look like, practically, to stand firm? In Philippians 4 we are given the key, for in this verse we are told exactly what we stand firm upon. We are to “stand firm in the Lord.” So, we do not simply stand firm in our own strength. We stand firm “in the Lord”. We can stand upon God, who is the firm foundation that we build our lives upon. As you prayerfully consider what it looks like to stand firm as a man of God, remember that Jesus is your rock, your anchor and your refuge. He promises you stability and security at all times. And if we simply choose to always stand on Him, we will see His faithfulness, protection and enduring care. Standing firm doesn’t mean that you always have to be sure, strong and resilient. It simply means that you remain trusting in God and standing firm on His promises. Choose today to trust once again in Him. You can find more helpful daily devotionals for men in the Glorify App to help build a regular habit of walking with your God.
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