First Response

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

 

When it comes to responding there’s one thing we all have in common, our “First” response. The initial take or the beginning of a process usually effects an outcome. Advertising spends a lot of time creating a “First impression” in order to have us buy their product causing a positive outcome for them. Studies would most likely show that our “First Reaction” to a situation will be determined by our experience or understandings.

A knee jerk reaction or erratic behavior when confronted with life’s challenges can be harmful and counterproductive. I believe the Gospel wants us to change behaviors that cause harm. When we are in a right or righteous relationship with the Lord there is a confidence we have in God that provides security and safety, causing us to respond instead of react.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

When we have these truths at the forefront of our mind, we can begin to act on them and have a profitable outcome. Our tendencies are to react out of fear and hurt from past experiences, but Proverbs 18:10 say,

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe
.”

I see this process working out when our “First Response” is to run to God and find shelter when we are unsure or fearful. A Godly response to any situation is the right response every time. These responses can make us feel vulnerable and unsure but in the end, we see that God is able to keep us.

David’s experiences led him to pen this great truth in Psalm 61. ​

From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

​​When my heart is overwhelmed.

​​Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

​​​For You have been a shelter for me,

​​A strong tower from the enemy.

​​I will abide in Your tabernacle forever.

​​I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.”

The enemy wants us to react and lash out, this way of thinking has been established because of past hurts and disappointments.

Maybe today is an opportunity to respond differently. Sometimes it means revisiting a situation that we might not have handled well. Trust in the shelter of God’s wings and start to live out the precepts of God’s Word. Amen!

 

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org


Think About This: “I want the presence of God Himself, or I don’t want anything at all to do with religion… I want all that God has or I don’t want any.” ― A.W. Tozer

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 21:20-38| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” -Philippians 1:27

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