We continue our series looking at Psalm 16 and ten steps in walking with God and growing in wisdom. It is from our knowledge, understanding and experience in taking these steps in our own lives that we can Teach Wisdom to Our Children.
In this article we focus on lessons learned in martial arts classes.
7. “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Martial artists must learn how to stand straight and strong in order to move quickly from stance to stance and to execute powerful and effective defensive techniques. A fundamental truth in martial arts is that in all our movements we are rooted. We remain rooted to the ground and in balance as we execute and move from technique to technique. In the same way, Christian young people need to learn how to stand solidly for what’s right. Once we know how to stand in the paths of righteousness, we must not be moved. In all our movements we are rooted and grounded in Christ (at the Right Hand of God) and His Love.
Where do we start learning to stand so we won’t be moved? It begins by understanding the Power and Majesty of Almighty God.
“Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14
Our faith and determination are strengthened as we consider the wondrous works of God. His creation of the world and space is truly amazing. It is a major theme of the praise songs of Israel.
“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Psalms 26:7
“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalms 40:5
“O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.” Psalms 71:17
“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.” Psalms 75:1
“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” Psalms 78:4
“Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.” Psalms 86:8
“For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.” Psalms 92:4-5
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” Psalms 104:24
” Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.” Psalms 105:2,5
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:8
“The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.” Psalms 111:2,4.6.7
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalms 139:14
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms 145:4,5,9,10,17
Christians of all ages will be strengthened to stand for God when they know the God they serve. Our God is not a weak god made of wood or metal. He is the Almighty God Who created the heavens and the earth! In that Truth we stand. Even as the earth God created cannot be moved from its position in the heavens by the will of man, so we cannot be moved in our commitment to Him.
Standing in the knowledge of God is also the Christian’s song. The Apostles tell us of the importance of trusting God and standing in His Grace, Power and Faith.
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”1 Corinthians 2:5
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.”1 Corinthians 15:1
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Standing is something Christians must do every day. We cannot let up for a moment because all of us are in spiritual battles. The enemy wants to defeat our minds, hearts and bodies. The enemy wants to pull us back into slavery. God wants us to enjoy the freedom we have in Christ and to stand boldly in it as we wage war with the enemy.
” Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:11,13,14
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” Philippians 4:1
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
“For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
“By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” 1 Peter 5:12
The lesson of standing properly (proper stance) is one we will repeat in every class. It is also a spiritual message we should mention at every opportunity for the spiritual sake of our students.
