Thursday, July 11, 2013

Opposite of Defeat is Victory



Victory. In contrast to defeat, victory feels light and free. Victory brings a heart of praise and gives me hope. Christ was victorious over the grave and extends victory to us who are called His own.

As I studied verses on victory, it is quickly obvious that the Lord is the common theme in reference to victory. Lack of following the Lord or not having Him on our side leads to defeat.

After studying this and praying through it and then living it out in our home, I can say that God is bringing victory from my defeat in our home. He is showing me areas where I was causing things to go poorly and  my lack of discipline was bringing me down.

Victory belongs to Him. It is not in my strength but in His - I have been seeking Him and He is really helping me so much. These have been very good days since we got home from our trip. My time feels multiplied and we have had so much more peace in our home.

I do not take this lightly for I have lived the defeated feelings for so long and so frequently. Right now, I am grateful for the peace God has brought to our home because I am obeying more diligently what I know I am supposed to be doing and really seeking God on using my time wisely. I don't know that I have a more specific answer than this: "seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you."



Here are some favorite verses on victory:

2 Chronicles 13:18, "The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord."

Psalm 20:5, "We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God."

Psalm 45:4, "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness..."

Deuteronomy 20:4, "For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

Proverbs 21:31, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."

truth, humility and righteousness

Those are beautiful and inspiring words to me found in Psalm 45:4.

I've had to come to the realization that feeling defeated in my home is not the way God wants me to feel. It is ok to require my children to help me keep our home clean which I have struggled to believe wholeheartedly as it seemed that it was just my mission to keep things tidy - but I am seeing the fruit in myself and them of having a more peaceful structure to our home.

I am seeing that these struggles are truly a battle for truth, for me to obey, for righteousness. What we need for battle is armor, a willingness to stand firm and fight and a trustworthy capable leader. He has equipped me with all of these things - I must simply receive them and my orders and march forward.


Oh, may I march forward in truth, humility and righteousness. We'll look at the armor He has provided tomorrow.