"Stability" -2

"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." (Psalms 46:5) Actually, when we look further at that word "help", which is the Hebrew word 'azar, the primary idea lies in girding, surrounding, hence defending, so I guess you could call that definition "protect"; after all, if we are dealing with refuge, then there is no place better to be than surrounded by God's protection. However, when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, protection is secondary to the help that we need in realizing "shadow" means that death can not harm us, because it is but a shadow; it might appear big and spooky, but it has no bite! Take the worst thing that could happen, and say, So be it! If that is what God wants to allow to happen, then who are we to argue with God; but if it's not what He wants to happen, then it won't. When Paul was about to go to Jerusalem and there was prophecy over what would happen to him if he did, Paul determined in his heart not only to be bound in Jerusalem, but to die there also for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). Stability comes from knowing the final outcome of whatever this life might deal you, because no matter what happens here in this life, we have the same final outcome, to be in the presence of the Lord! That my friend is one of the gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to us, which is commonly referred to as peace; peace that passes all understanding, because although we may not understand why something is happening, or what is going on in the midst of a trial, we can still have peace about whatever it is because we know God is in control, and no matter what happens, God is working all things for the good, period! If we get right down to it, we belong to the Lord, so He can do whatever He wants to us, in us, and through us; and we should just hold on and try to enjoy the ride... "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24)