steadfast: {adjective} resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

Steadfastness is a character trait that I long for. It is a picture of assurance. It is an image of a heart steady and reliant on the Lord. It is a characteristic of one who’s hope is found in God, not their circumstances. This is what a strong Christian looks like. They understand that their God is bigger than everything. No doubt, struggle, question, or sin can stand against our God. No person, no situation, no loss is beyond God’s sovereign hand.

But unfortunately, my worrier, fearful tendencies make it hard for me to trust. It is hard for me to release control and allow God to come through and show his faithfulness. The troubles of this world sure do feel big. When I fall short, I feel like the world is ending. When my sin is on display for myself and for others, I feel very small. When I lose people in my life or when stress and to-do’s weigh on me, my first thought is NOT how big my God is. Unfortunately, it is more focused on the weight of the situation at hand.

“This problem is way too big.”
             “I am way too overwhelmed.”
                        “How will this be okay?”

Do these quotes reflect your thought-life in times of struggle, conflict, or experiences in a fallen world? 

Then, chances are, you are still learning to live out a steadfast spirit. A spirit that applies the head-knowledge of God’s sovereignty to their hearts during areas of anxiety and stress.

It is easy to remain confident in the Lord when the circumstances obviously reflect his provision. But does your life reflect Jesus in the rockiness of this world? Do you trust that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion?” (Philippians 1:6). Do you believe he will be with you in the waiting, in the deepest, darkest hours? (Isaiah 43:2). Are you willing to release control and take shelter in the Almighty? (Psalm 91:1). Do you have full confidence that he will deliver you? (Psalm 91:3).

As Christians, we have this knowledge in our head, but we desperately need it to invade our hearts so that our confidence, our faith, and our assurance is not in ourselves, but solely in our Savior. This shift needs to take place out of obedience, because otherwise we sit in the sin that Christ has freed us from. We sit in anxiety, in worry, and in fear of this world rather than grasping the anchor, Our God, who is bigger than it all. We are called to not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6) and the only way we reach that level of assurance is if we are unwavering in trusting the Lord; knowing, understanding, and believing that He will make a way and keep His promises to us.

And the only way we reach that unwavering trust in the Lord is by seeking Him BEFORE we encounter a time of discomfort/growth/loss. We should be continually spending time with Him so that our hearts are prepared for the pain that comes with the flesh and with this fallen world. Bring your worries to Him in prayer. Read about his faithfulness in Scripture. And worship Him in the waiting.

This builds a steadfast heart that is fully confident, joyous, and at peace knowing that God is in control and at work in every situation.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” -James 1:12

Take heart. He has overcome the world! (John 16:33). Your anxieties are not bigger than Our God. Keep your eyes on Him, and everything else fades in comparison.

God, fill our hearts with your steadfast character. Remind us that You are unchanging so that we can stand strong, firm, and unwavering in our knowledge of your presence.