Down, then Up

But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high. Psalm 3:3‭MSG

When I read a BUT,  I go and check the words before it. Today's context is about enemies, countless ones, troubling the Psalmist. Fundamental to this story is their claim that he had no right to God's help. They must have so perfected their strategy that they were sure he could not escape or get help. I do not know what the Psalmist could have done for enemies to say this, but as I check my own life too, I must take stock and be sure I am not giving the enemy a foothold in my life.

Even till today, we see people who have made it their life's assignment to bring down others. Once you seem to prosper, you become the target of attacks and gossip. Everyone wants to bring you down to their own level. Today's extract however lays down an important truth: you are only as strong as the one holding you down. It does not matter how high you rise, if you are not grounded and founded in God, your fall is inevitable. It is the man who has made God his foundation who has been grounded right. It is the man whose feet are planted firmly on the Rock of Ages who will stand the tests that are coming. 

Can I like the Psalmist say without any fear that God is indeed my shield all around? Is he all that counts or am I counting on some other side helps? Have I surrendered ALL or just part of my life to him, or have I given him a part, holding on to a part and giving the impression that all is well?

God must first ground me before he can lift me up. If I'm not properly rooted, like the seed among thorns or on the stony ground, I may spring up bright, early and quickly, but I may not last the distance. When God grounds me, there is no limit to my growing and impact. I will never become full of myself because I will carry in me the daily consciousness of the One helping me up. His time of favour is here.