Don’t go it alone, stick close to God and walk in fellowship with other believers. Ever heard how we are to ‘Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.‘ What about the scripture that says ‘So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.‘
Put on the full armor of God!
Let’s choose to be equipped as we learn in God’s Word ‘In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
So what can we do and how can we apply “don’t go it alone”?
- Submit to God and His will for your life.
- Pray and read the Word of God daily.
- Be alert and sober-minded, and avoid temptations and distractions.
- Seek fellowship and support from other believers.
- Trust in God’s power and promises, and resist fear and doubt.
Don’t go it alone, consider the benefits of one another:
The benefits of one another based on scripture are many. The Bible teaches us that we are not meant to live in isolation, but in community with other believers. We are called to love, serve, encourage, comfort, forgive, and edify one another. By doing so, we reflect the image of God, who is a relational being. We also grow in our faith, maturity, and fruitfulness as we learn from one another and share our gifts and talents. Here are some scriptures that illustrate the benefits of one another:
Love one another:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)1
Serve one another:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)2
Encourage one another:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)3
Comfort one another:
Forgive one another:
Edify one another:
Today’s Verse of the Day:
Therefore, don’t go it alone for it is better to walk out our life with God who is in our midst, A Warrior who saved us! Firstly, let’s be the dads who walk with God so that He can rejoice over us with joy! Secondly, let’s lean into God’s Word and will and pursue His purpose so that He will be quiet in His love, making no mention of our past sins. Finally, let’s be the dads who love God and are called according to His purpose and make Him want to rejoice over us with shouts of joy.
So how can we apply today’s verse of the day towards helping us to decide “don’t go it alone”? Consider the benefits to our wives, kids, and world when we choose to go through life with one another instead.
Applications of Zephaniah 3:17 on becoming dads who don’t go it alone but instead walk out life in alignment with our priorities of God, wife, and kids as the top 3:
- Prayerful Leadership: Start each day with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength in your role as a father and husband. Encourage your family to join you in this practice.
- Nurturing Your Wife: Show love and appreciation to your wife daily. Be her support system and help her feel secure in your relationship. A strong marital bond sets a positive example for your children.
- Quality Time: Dedicate quality time to spend with your children individually and as a family. Engage in activities that foster meaningful connections and create lasting memories.
- Spiritual Nourishment: Share your faith with your children by reading Bible stories, praying together, and attending religious services as a family. Teach them the values and principles that guide your life.
- Setting a Positive Example: Demonstrate godly character and integrity in all aspects of your life. Be a role model for your children, showing them what it means to live a life of faith.
- Listening and Understanding: Be an active listener to your wife and children. Understand their needs, concerns, and dreams, and offer emotional support.
- Fostering Emotional Resilience: Encourage open communication within your family. Teach your children to express their feelings and provide a safe space for them to do so.
- Acts of Kindness: Practice acts of kindness and service as a family. Show compassion and empathy toward others, teaching your children the importance of helping those in need.
- Community Involvement: Engage in community and church activities together. This not only strengthens your family’s bond but also allows you to serve others as a unit.
- Empowering Independence: As your children grow, empower them to make responsible decisions and guide them in aligning their own priorities with faith, family, and service.
By applying these principles from Zephaniah 3:17 in your life as a father, you can create a loving and supportive family environment that reflects your commitment to God, your wife, and your children. Remember that this verse reminds us that God rejoices over us with singing, and as fathers, we have the opportunity to bring that same joy and harmony into our families by prioritizing our relationships and walking through life together. Don’t go it alone!