My Bible readings today included part of Ps 57, which says, My heart, O God, is steadfast,my heart is steadfast;I will sing and make music.That got me thinking about being steadfast.

Isaiah 26:3 contains a promise I have leaned on many times throughout life, that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, or, as some translations put it, ‘fixed’ on Him. To be steadfast is to be immovable, to be resolute: steady, fixed firmly in place. All too often, I don’t feel steadfast and pray, along with David, ‘renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ (Ps 51:10)

The challenge for every believer every day (regardless of circumstances) is to keep our eyes, hearts and minds fixed on God. When we do that, we find we can stand firm. This means learning to lean more on God than on the outward props of life, be they jobs, relationships, routines or health. James Leavey says, ‘We actually need to become unstable, and lean more on God, asking the Holy Spirit to fill us and stir within us, and thank Jesus for all that he is, and all that he’s done. By coming back to these simple but essential practices, we can not only stand firm in the Lord, but thrive and flourish in these times too.’

Standing firm is something the Bible constantly urges us to do:

  • Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Phil 4:1)

  •  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. (1 Cor 15:58)

  •  Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Eph 6:13-14)

  • You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” (2 Chron 20:17)

  • The one who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matt 24:13)

  • Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)

The Bible never tells us to do something which is not possible with God. The reason we can stand firm is because God stands firm:

  • Your love stands firm forever (Ps 89:2)

  • Your statutes, Lord, stand firm (Ps 93:5)

  • Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. (Ps 119:89)

We have a steadfast and immovable God and therefore we can be steadfast and immovable too!