Day23: 31 Days of Christ

July 23, 2010

Morning

Psalm 16:8 (NIV) I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

No wonder David did such great things in life. He had great confidence! “I will not be shaken.” The Hebrew word is mot, which means totter, shake, or slip. The word speaks of great insecurity when it is used to describe earthly things and those who depend on them. Psalm 82:5 (NIV) "They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. When prefixed with a negative, however, it denotes the dependability and certainty of God and those who depend on Him. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) 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.

How important is confidence in life? Any athlete can tell you that it is extremely important. The pictures that play in your mind before an athletic competition often determine its success or failure. If you think you will make your free throw, you will make it more times than not. If you think you will fail, you almost always will. So it is with life. One, who approaches life with confidence, will find victory more than defeat.

What is the appropriate basis for confidence? Not in oneself. James 4:13-14 (NIV) Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Not in other people. Psalm 60:11 (NIV) Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. If you want confidence that cannot be shaken, trust in the Lord. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Today, renew your trust in the Lord. Then approach your day with confidence in Him, and in His ability to work in and through you for good. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV) ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Evening

God is trustworthy. Even when lamenting Israel’s terrible judgment at the hand of God, Jeremiah spoke with confidence in God’s faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. However, God’s faithfulness will produce an unshakeable life ONLY in those who set the Lord ALWAYS before them. Have you? We will spend a few quiet times answering that question. But for tonight commit yourself to doing whatever the Lord says next. Sleep well.