I can remember times when I had spent a few hours on a sloped roof cleaning off moss. After returning to level ground I would then experience some relief, but also have to walk off the great discomfort in my leg muscles for having stood for so long with my feet at different levels. It was the result of having remained in an uncomfortable and unnatural position. Straddling a fence can also be uncomfortable. Then there are those who stand with one foot on the dock in the other in the boat only to find themselves getting uncomfortably cold and wet as they fall between.
In life, straddling the fence or taking a stand on uneven ground can also be uncomfortable and should be. How can we feel comfortable when attempting to straddle light and darkness or friendship with the world and friendship with God? (i.e 2 Corinthians 6:14; James 4:4) We need to give due consideration to where we stand and make a decision to walk there. Many are remaining uncomfortable in life and not handling life well because they are not standing in the spiritual position in which God created humanity to stand (i.e. Genesis 1:26-27), needs to be renewed (i.e. Colossians 3:10), and can be in Christ. (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:3-4) Are we finding comfort in being on the level?
David wrote. . .
“(11) But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. (12) My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.” (Psalm 26:11-12 ESV)
Because of the spirit God placed within us intended to draw toward Him (note James 4:5), not living in accordance with the truth leaves one in the discomfort of being on uneven ground. Those who choose to live contrary to God’s Will are not living on the level with themselves because they are not duly acknowledging their spiritual need as they live after the flesh. It is in standing with God that brings us the comfort of being on the level with ourselves (duly acknowledging our sin and the remedy of it through Christ) and on the level with God (seeking to above all please Him). It is in standing in the sphere of God’s Will that we can experience the comfort of peace knowing we are right with Him and the comfort of knowing the eternal future He has in store for us.
As Paul wrote to those at Thessalonica. . .
“(16) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, (17) comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV)
May we allow His Sovereign Will to remain the level path on which we walk on through life!
Have a great day STANDING IN THE COMFORT OF GOD!
Carl
