ABLE TO KEEP
16th Mar 2022
As we began praying this morning, Joyce quoted a verse from Jude, “Now unto Him who is able to keep…” In The Message that verse goes like this, “And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating - to our one God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory majesty and strength…..”
The world is in crisis, and a number of our friends have their own personal crises, are undergoing surgery and many challenging situations. This is the time when our eyes need to be on God and His power to be at work in every situation.
Life situations are seeking to knock us down. This verse speaks of the One who can “keep us on our feet”. Disappointments, guilt and life challenges are always trying to defeat us. Keeping on our feet is so important. At a practical level, we have a friend who is a physiotherapist who comes in to put us through an exercise routine each week. The exercises that help us keep our balance are so important, because falling is a major risk at our time of life.
So how do we keep on our feet? Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” We were never designed to carry heavy burdens. We need to deliberately and practically roll all our cares and burdens onto to Him. He will take the load and give us His peace.
The verse in Jude continues, “and to present you before his glorious presence without fault” The mistakes of the past and guilt because of things we have done can knock us down. God’s full, free forgiveness and cleansing sets us free.
The verse ends with a burst of praise and declaration of who God is, “to the only wise God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority.”
Psalm 68:19 in the Message says, “Blessed be the Lord - day after day he carries us along. He’s our Saviour, our God, oh yes! He’s God-for-us, he’s God who-saves-us.”
He is “able to keep” - so cast your burden on him, live in His wonderful forgiveness, and declare His greatness every day.
Romans 14:4 declares, “And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
