“You have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.” Psalm 9:4
God is our ultimate defense. This does not mean we are not involved in defending worthy causes. It is good to defend nation and family. Effective leaders defend their mission and their business model. Excellent athletic teams defend their goal from the opponent. An explosive offense will strategize in vain without the support of an aggressive defense.
Successful defense attorneys are paid a lot of money because they keep their clients from serving time in prison. They are the experts that understand the law and its implications. Orphans and widows need defending. The helpless are vulnerable in need of defense. Those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ are called not to stand idle but to stand in the gap for those who cannot defend themselves. We are advocates for the poor and needy.
Your friends who have been mistreated, misunderstood or maligned behind their backs need you to step up on their behalf. You are their defender because you know their character. You know the facts of the situation and that the accusation does not line up with reality. So, it is appropriate for you to risk your safe position and to defend your friends in the face of their accusers.
Do not back down from defending truth. God’s Word is truth and, yes, it can stand on its own. But we are called to be educated—not ignorant—defenders of His Word. Be so familiar with God’s Word that in the face of heresy you can confidently say, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” But, after all is said and done, God is our ultimate defender.
There are some situations where our defense is woefully lacking, but He more than fills in the gaps. You cannot defend your reputation, but God can. People, because of misinformation or malice, may misdiagnose who you are and what you stand for. This is out of your control. You can go through a very professional and prayerful process of letting an employee go, and that employee may still erupt in disappointment and lash back at you. Even with generous severance terms, they may gossip about you and spread rumors. It is futile to chase down a rumor.
You must maintain your trust in God and do not lower yourself to attack this individual. They are in God’s hands, which is exactly where you want them. Don’t take matters into your own hands. You cannot handle that type of pressure and responsibility. God is your defense. Since He manages the universe, He can handle this situation. He will defend you in ways you could never conceive. The truth will persevere and, left unattended, lies will slowly die off. Like ignoring a child’s temper tantrum they will eventually stop from lack of attention.
You cannot defend your motives, but God can. Over time God will use your generosity, humility and consistency to validate your motives. There will be those who question your motives because of their own struggle with impure motives. But there is no need to default to insecurity; trust God to defend you.
Cynics and naysayers have a skewed perspective. It is hard for them to accept authentic motives because they have been burned in the past. Do not debate your motives with them; let God defend you. A prayerful, patient and personal process eventually will answer many of the questions. God is our advocate. Let go of those things beyond your control, and trust Him with the results. He is the righteous judge!
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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