I Will Stand

22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  Mathew 6:22-23 NKJV

I often find myself deeply questioning my own motives, even if my intent seems clear, I know I have tendencies to self-sabotage.

I’ve discovered that one of my tendencies is to try and connect with others by empathizing with their experiences and challenges. Though, sometimes in my attempt to connect with others, I find that I am diminishing the good things that God has provided. I wonder if my desire to ensure others don’t feel alone in their struggles is genuine, or if I’m just wanting to vent about my own trials.

Often, I feel tempted to join in on gossip or criticize things that I don’t understand (Bob Dylan did advise against this).

When I choose to gossip or run my mouth, I regret the missed opportunities to spread positivity and share light. Certainly, I allow myself to vent and discuss issues with friends and family, but am I looking for the good in those moments, or only feeding the bad? Am I standing up for what is right, or am I sitting on what is wrong?

I want to share this quote that my husband has shared with our kids and me. I found this simple yet profound.

“It’s wrong, even if everyone is doing it, and it’s right, even if you’re the only one.”

I’ll stand, even if the whole world tells me to sit.

I will stand, even when denied.

For I know the mercy and grace of my Lord.

For I know the Lord will provide.

I’ll stand, even if someone tries to knock me down.

I will stand, even if I knock myself down.

For I know who will be there to help me up,

For I know where my refuge lies.

I'll stand, even if it's too dark to see.

I will stand in the uncertainty.

For I know Him.

For I know, even when I feel lost, He has found me.

I’ll stand, even if my arms fail to help me hold on.

I will stand when the wind is strong.

For my Lord will sustain me,

For I know, when I call upon the Lord, He will heed my call.

I’ll stand, even if I have no legs to stand on.

I will stand when I falter from it all.

For I know who is there to carry me.

For I know what foundation that I have built myself upon.

I will stand, knowing I am the daughter of the most high King.

I stand, knowing my worth.

I know my King to deliver unto me all my needs, for by faith, I am saved, I am set free.

I stand on the word of God.

-AB-