GET READY!
Bob Dees
Director, LU Institute for Military Resilience
©2014 RFD LLC
“Get Ready” is the first Airborne jump command.
In Resilient Warriors we talk about “the ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure,” meaning
those preparatory actions you take on a sunny day to prepare for when the storm clouds roll into
your world. How do we “Get Ready” in order to develop “Stop, Drop, and Roll” reflexes which
allow us to respond to trial and tribulation in a God-honoring way? This is central to what we
call “Resilience God Style.”
As warriors who face the trials of life, our best preparation is to put on the Armor of God. You
are no doubt familiar with the foundational passage in Ephesians 6:10-18 as well as Hebrews
4:12 (“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and
piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the
thoughts and intentions of the heart.”) In a recent time of devotions, God provided new
appreciation for His Word, the Sword of the Spirit. In particular, Psalm 19:7-11 (NASB)
powerfully describes the different functions the Word of God plays in our quest for resilient
living. Let me step through a few of these truths as a further stimulus to your own spiritual
preparations:
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;” (19:7a)
To me restoration means making something new. Isn’t it awesome to know that God
knows about the wounds of our souls and He does a complete work of restoration? When
the ravages and contradictions of life cause us to dip too deeply into our “wells of
courage,” God is able to refill our spiritual reservoirs from the inside out. Only God can
fill and restore the empty or wounded soul!
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (19:7b)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Just as with Solomon, God grants us
wisdom and knowledge when we ask for it. Inexplicably God through His indwelling
Holy Spirit provides counsel for the moment, wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.
As we embrace God’s Word through study, meditation, and memorization; God provides
grace and wisdom to help in time of need.
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;” (19:8a)
God knows best. He created us. His precepts are right and effective for abundant living,
and they lead to JOY. True joy comes from knowing and being known by God Himself,
through His Son Jesus. From Nehemiah, we know that “the joy of the Lord is my
STRENGTH.” (Neh 8:10) With strength, we SERVE. Isn’t it incredible how God truly
does “supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus?”
“The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (19:8b)
In today’s world we hear many voices: Do this…do that? (Oh really?), everyone else is
doing it. (Not true! There is still a faithful remnant!), Follow your heart (Now that’s bad
advice!), Tolerance is in (meaning anything goes, except when it conflicts with my
immoral life style), and many others. The only pure voice, the one which speaks truth, is
the voice of the Lord. When we listen to God’s “still small voice” through His Word,
prayer, and the unadulterated lips of God’s servants; we are enlightened. His Word truly
is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119:105)
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;” (19:9a)
Now it is your turn! Complete the thought from your own reflections…
“The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. “ (19:9b)
Now it is your turn! Complete the thought from your own reflections…
My prayer for each of us is that we might delight in God’s Word to the same degree as
David and so many devout worshipers of the living God after him. May this short think piece be
a spring board for even further adventures in the Word of God, allowing us to “Be Ready”
(prepared) for the challenges and opportunities that will surely come. This is the way of the
Resilient Warrior in Christ!
After all,
“10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.”
Respectfully in Christ,
Bob
Bob Dees
LU Institute for Military Resilience
www.LUOnline.com/IMR
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