“Stand” is the word I heard clearly in prayer a couple weeks ago. You know how it is when you hear or learn something, then your radar is on for it. You begin to hear it a lot. Since then, I continue to hear “stand” from other people. Stand ready, still, and in awe are only a few possibilities of how we can stand. Let’s delve in a bit, looking at the importance of our need to stand from the perspective of the Word.
Standing in prayer
Standing is a common position for prayer in the Word of God. It is seen especially throughout the Old Testament. Today, people stand at the wailing wall in Jerusalem as they pray. Psalm 119 makes it clear in every verse that we are to stand, or take our position, according to the Word of God.
Standing still
Being still in our circumstances in the presence of God gives us occasion to calm ourselves, listen for Him and to watch Him act. “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.'” Exodus 14:13 This posture can steady us, as we release our perceived responsibility, allowing God to act.
Standing still also gives us reason to let go of our fear as we meet the Creator of all things in the stillness. “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17
Stand in his holy place?
“Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” Psalm 24:3-4 As we see here, there are conditions for entering the Holy presence of the Living God. The bad news is that none us qualifies on our own. The marvelous news, however, is that Jesus has made the only way. We only need to accept the grace of His work on the cross.
Rewards for standing with God
Abba gives us all many opportunities to be in personal relationship with Him which is a very good thing. There are consequences for rejecting His grace and rewards for embracing it. “The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.” Proverbs 12:7
Stand firm
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 All good relationships must be guarded. Trust is the foundation and it takes courage to hang on to truth and not listen to lies attempting to knock us out of relationship. We cannot do it alone. Holy Spirit lives in us to help comfort and guide us in all we need.
Stand ready
Ephesians 6:10-14 Paul tells us four times to stand before he begins to describe our spiritual armor. This is not idleness or at rest. This stance is poised for a blow, like a football player or a soldier. One who is ready is alert and prepared to act at a seconds notice.
Stand in awe
My final mention of “stand” for today is perhaps my favorite. From this position of awe we are both humbled and raised up. “Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.” Psalm 33:8. This fear is not of wrath, but of reverence and wonder. We are pulled into alignment with the Creator of all things. In awe we understand better who we are, and whose we are. We are not God, but we are children, priests and kings belonging to God who loves us intimately.
As always, we choose if or how we will stand. . .
A few more if you are interested: Leviticus 19:13; Zechariah 4:6-8; Romans 5:2, 14:10; 1 Corinthians 15:1; 2 Thessalonians 5:13-17; 1 Peter 5:12; Deuteronomy 28:10
