Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
One of the main benefits of being a Christian is that one does not go through life alone. The triune God goes with us through life and helps us. To use the vernacular, He “has our back.” When the issues of life must be addressed, the Lord is there to help us sort them out. Although we may stumble, we will not fall, for the Lord upholds us with His hand (Psalm 37:24).
It is for this reason that we will not be disgraced. Left to ourselves and our own devices, the chances for humiliation and disgrace increase exponentially. We are all too human, and it seems to be part of the very essence of humanity to make fools of ourselves. By ourselves, our walk through life would be one of constant stumbling, falling, and wandering off the narrow path. With the Lord’s guidance, however, we know we will be ultimately vindicated and not ashamed.
The advantage of knowing that God has our back, then, is that it gives us great confidence. We can go forward without worrying about our reputation, without worrying if we will become an object of scorn. As our verse for today says, we can set our faces like flint, because we know that God, and not man, is our judge. We will inspire confidence in others, and we will encourage them to follow God without fear, when they see the firm resolve in our faces.
Some think that walking with God reveals personal weakness and incompetence. They think that only those without talent and ability rely on the Lord for help. But the Bible says that those who think this way are proud – and God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Indeed, the proud are the ones most likely to fall and suffer disgrace. In contrast, the Apostle Paul says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11).
A godly life takes courage and confidence; firm resolve and decisiveness. Today, seek the help of the Lord – and you will receive all of these things and eternal glory hereafter.
By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International
