Shoulder to Shoulder

This has been a time for adjustment in our family. The addition of two children into the daily routine of our family has been a wonderful change, and, at times, a serious challenge. Jack went from being an “only child” to being the “middle child” in a very short amount of time. I daresay that the change has been hardest for him, but because he is only 2 (almost 3!) it is more difficult for him to truly voice his feelings. And so he acts out, making an already crazy household that much more crazy. I have often thought to myself, “What would I do without Jeff”? I know women who have done it, either because they’ve lost their husbands to death, or they are in the military, or have simply been abandoned by their husbands. If you were to ask each one how they are possibly getting through life, they would tell you that is not in their own strength.

Recently, I have had several friends going through deep waters. One I will mention by name, Lisa, who is experiencing extreme physical difficulties, life-threatening even. Please pray for her, her husband, and two small children, who have physical difficulties of their own. I have other friends making a stand for Christ, and facing difficulties because of it. Some of the things my friends are experiencing has had me plain old mad at Satan, and so I went out this morning to work out some aggression on the ornamental grass that has taken over the plants in my retaining ring. Earlier I had read an email, and was struck by the phrase “stand shoulder to shoulder”. As I worked, I began to think about that phrase, and was truly grateful that I can say that through the adjustment trials we have been experiencing I have my dear husband standing shoulder to shoulder with me. But what if there was no one? The phrase is defined “to support one another at a difficult time”. It made me think of a modern phrase, “got your back”. This has a combat meaning, where two soldiers, surrounded by the enemy, stand back to back to ward off attack. What if no one had my back?

Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken”. In the battles of our daily lives, and in the extreme trials assigned to us by God, there is One who stands shoulder to shoulder and back to back with us. Jesus Christ. Because He is standing at my right hand, and all around me, I will not be shaken or moved. He is the King, the ultimate Bridegroom, the Victorious Warrior.

My prayer today for my friends would be that whatever giant they are facing, they would know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is standing shoulder to shoulder with them, and as others fall away, He will remain unchangeable, unshakeable, and unstoppable.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand