Every Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We think about the life, the hope, and the peace that He brought into this world, and the benefits that his resurrection brings for all of us as God’s children. Hope gives you peace when things around you are falling apart. It gives you the assurance that God will do what He said He would do.

As I sit here thinking about the goodness of God, I can’t help but think about the times I have tried to handle things on my own. All of those scriptures, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” “He shall prepare a feast for you in the presence of your enemies,” “The battle is not yours…it’s the Lord’s,” “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord,” have become so real to me. People tend to worry about everything — the difficult person at work, the bills, their children, their health. God said to cast your cares on Him, but how often do we try to handle things on our own? I have been guilty of being the “fixer” for everything. I recently got so frustrated with someone (actually several people) that I just ranted and raved about how they had done me wrong even though I had done so much for them, and God kept telling me to stand down, stay still and watch the salvation of the Lord. Even in my frustration, God showed up and showed out. He truly prepared a feast for me in the presence of my enemies, and all I had to do was be quiet and stand still, but hindsight is 20/20. I spent so much time and energy being angry and frustrated, and it was such a waste.

How much easier would life be if we just obey God and truly stand still? How many times do we just talk and frustrate ourselves only to see God’s hand move in our lives? I was so embarrassed that I had carried on and was so upset over nonsense, yet God worked it out beautifully. I never could have done what God did in my own strength. All I had to do was keep my mouth shut and let God have his way in the situation.

In November of 1990, I got out of bed in the middle of the night, got down on my knees, and said a prayer accepting Jesus as my personal savior. I didn’t need an altar call or a nudge from a friend. I just knew it was time for me to change my life. After all of those years, I have seen God do great things, and I have walked through many battles, but God is currently teaching me how to handle broken people. Remember that not everyone should be in your space. A preacher said it perfectly, “God doesn’t want some people in your life because the overflow from you will get on them, and they don’t deserve that.” That, my friends, is powerful, and it’s so true. If you are going through a trying time right now, whether it is with someone at work, in your family, or a friend who is now distant, continue to trust God. I can assure you God will see you through. Remember you might not always get it right, but God’s grace will sustain you, and He will truly set a feast for you in the presence of your enemies.

Remember how God used 300 men to help Gideon defeat over 100,000 Midianites, how he parted the Red Sea and killed Pharoah’s army, how He helped David defeat Goliath, and how Nehemiah completed the wall in the face of his enemies. The list of victories goes on and on. Do you remember when Paul told the church at Phillipi not to worry about anything but to pray about everything? He then went on to say, “Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Paul was in prison when he wrote this! He was telling the church — believers — not to worry, but he was bound in prison! If you were in prison, would you be as encouraging as Paul? Can you stand no matter what is going on and tell those around you not to worry and to focus on the good things? Let’s remember that God is God, and He is still on the throne. He sees your tears, he hears your cries, and he is privy to the battle you are in. You are not alone. Instead of talking about your situation, just praise. Instead of being frustrated and trying to seek vengeance, worship instead. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Place your hope in the Lord. He will fight on your behalf, and He has never lost a battle. Fighting the battle that is against you is won when it is fought God’s way, and not your way. God’s way is so much better. It doesn’t leave you stressed and angry. It leaves you in a peace that those around you cannot understand. Even if you fall in your anger, get back on course and watch God restore you.

Sometimes we don’t even know that we are in a war, but God has gone before us to slay our enemy. If you have never heard Rita Springer’s song, Great Defender, I urge you to listen to the words of this song, which I have written below. It will bless you in the middle of your trial.

You go before I know
That You’ve gone to win my war
You come back with the head of my enemy
You come back and You call it my victory

You go before I know
That You’ve gone to win my war
Your love becomes my greatest defense
It leads me from the dry wilderness

All I did was praise
All I did was worship
All I did was bow down
All I did was stay still

Hallelujah, You have saved me
So much better Your way
Hallelujah, great Defender
So much better Your way

You know before I do
Where my heart can seek to find Your truth
Your mercy is the shade I’m living in
You restore my faith and hope again

All I did was praise
All I did was worship
All I did was bow down
All I did was stay still

Hallelujah, You have saved me
So much better this way
Hallelujah, great Defender
So much better this way

When I thought I lost me
You knew where I left me
You reintroduced me to Your love
You picked up all my pieces
Put me back together
You are the defender of my heart

Hallelujah, You have saved me
So much better this way
Hallelujah, great Defender
So much better Your way

All I did was praise
All I need to do is worship
Lord I will just bow down
I’m just gonna stay still

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Place your hope in Jesus and know that He will fight for you. Stand still and watch God move on your behalf. Place your trust in Him. He is good and He loves you. His way is better — so much better. I promise!