I was chatting with the kids at our youth and young adult service tonight about humility, and somehow that got on to the topic of God being our defense instead of we ourselves being our own defense. It's a pretty counter-culture idea, actually, but the church is called to be counter-culture. It came up in our discussions about humility because if we are truly humble - placing ourselves in a position lower than God - then we follow His words and His guidance in everything, never seeking to replace His wisdom with what we like to call our own. And we also believe in His promises, like where He promises to be our defense.

In Isaiah 50 (and other places), God clearly tells us that He will defend us, and that when we defend ourselves, we are in for it! We just can't do it, we will simply create a bigger mess. (We all agreed tonight that we have seen this in action in our own lives....sad, but true....) So knowing this, I wonder why we feel it so necessary to defend ourselves. If you have an inclination to be a little hot-headed like me, you will shoot for the jugular in your own defense before even realizing that you've done it. I pray that I will continue to learn where to rest in God's promise to be my defense (even if I don't see that defense in action right away) and remember that I don't need to defend myself when I feel wronged or mistreated in some way. Really, when you look at the scripture's promises that are so clear, it comes down to whether I really believe that what God says, He will actually do for me.

'Thus says the LORD, "Where is the certificate of divorce by which I have sent your mother away? Or to whom of My creditors did I sell you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away. Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, I dry up the sea with My rebuke, I make the rivers a wilderness; the fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness and make sackcloth their covering." The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord GOD helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He who vindicates Me is near; who will contend with Me? Let us stand up to each other; who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me. Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me; who is he who condemns Me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them. Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and among the brands you have set ablaze; this you will have from My hand: You will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50)