What's the Score?

December 2, 2020

Psalm 46 1 God is our Refuge and Strength , a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,

3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah!

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge. Selah !

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.

9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.

10 Let be and be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge. Selah !

Has your world changed recently? Felt some shaking around you? Heard some roaring and maybe even done some trembling? Walking, or maybe limping, through some troubles? Yeah, I think we can all relate to this Psalm; this song of praise reminding us who He is. He is our refuge and our strength. In THIS very moment He is our help. HE, HIMSELF, is our safe place no matter what is happening around us. Maybe our heads know this, but how about our hearts? Are we living fearLESS; without fear? Look at the results of God-His presence, His voice. The earth melted when he spoke. Would you like some things in your life to melt away? He makes wars to cease. He tears down. Bows, spears, chariots; every weapon of warfare is rendered useless by Him.

This psalm was written likely after a victory won by David and the Israelites. Maybe you read this psalm and don't doubt the experience that led to its composition, but maybe you aren't coming off of a victory right now. Maybe you are in the midst of the battle of your life and victory seems to evade you. Perhaps victory seems to have passed you by and defeat seems to have found a comfortable place to settle in right in the middle of your everything.

What do we do when this is our seeming reality? Well, let's check our position. Absolutely, we are in a battle. However, the stance from which we battle is key. Playing defense is tough work and can lead to weariness, especially if it is played too long. The defense is " the team attempting to thwart the attack of the team having the ball or puck." The defense doesn't have the ball and, consequently, doesn't score any points. All that work ATTEMPTING to thwart the attack of the team that actually has the authority to score. Is that the position for which Jesus gave His life? Of course not!!

The blood of Jesus positions us on the side of the offense. We get to score. We have everything we need for an assured victory. We can speak what He speaks. He is our refuge. He is a well-proved help in trouble. He is with us. You may need to change your position. Rise up! Speak like you belong to Him. Take your authority in Christ, change your atmosphere, and live like you belong on the winning team. Jesus gave His blood so that you could be victorious with Him.

1 John 5:4 because everyone who is born from God defeats the world. And this is the victory that has defeated the world: our faith.

While perhaps changing your position from one of defense to offense, it is also important to understand how you possibly ended up on the wrong side, without the ball, and with no way to score. What about offense? A spirit of offense. These two words, offense and offense, look alike but they sound very different and have different meanings. The spirit of offense is running rampant in our world today. Everyone seems offended and demanding to be recompensed in some way for the offenses. When we are consumed with being offended and looking for someone to "pay" for that offense, this puts us in the position of defense and unable to live a life of victory. Do you want to be on the side of offense or offense? Only one choice gives you the authority to score. Make a wise choice for you and yours. God is with you and has secured your victory in Christ Jesus.