Rise!

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. — Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Though we all experience life’s challenges, not everyone manages to get back up. It may take a day, weeks, or even years. But Proverbs 24:16 promises that the righteous—believers in faith through Jesus Christ—will rise again. We may fall, but we don’t have to remain fallen.

This verse reminds me of the year my oldest child learned to walk. Cam would fall frequently. One fall was so severe that it produced a huge knot on his forehead. Sometimes he recovered quickly and bounced back up with a laugh. Yet there were other times when tears were shed, and screams resounded before he dared to try again. Although sometimes painful, falls are a natural part of the learning process. Our walk with the Lord is no different.

I’ve found that doubt and insecurity can keep even the most devout believers down. We can become so consumed by our inadequacies that we readily forget we aren’t dependent on ourselves. God’s word is true. Through Christ, we become righteous, no matter our flaws and failings. Subsequently, we can rise and accomplish God’s will for our lives.

Proverbs 24:16 references the number seven, which is associated with perfection and completion. Seven is also mentioned over 700 times in the Bible, which is significant. It suggests that though we may fall, we can rise repeatedly to complete whatever work God begins in us. Admittedly, this isn’t always easy.

Physical slips or trips are momentary, and recovery is often quick. Yet emotional, mental, and spiritual falls may require extensive time to recuperate. Years of struggle, poor decisions, or abuse can leave us distraught and hopeless about the future. It’s during these times that the enemy schemes to keep us defeated.

However, the devil is a liar, and we are not dependent on ourselves. Still, the ability to rise requires that we cooperate with God. Throughout scripture, God required His servants to do something (Abraham, Moses, and even Jesus) before miracles manifested.

Rising above our circumstances may require that we cast off certain behaviors and relationships. It may necessitate that we elevate our thinking. Precarious situations will force us to choose whether to escape a pit of debt, addiction, or envy. Then there are other times when believers must rise to the occasion and accept an assignment from God. No matter how we fall or what we fall into,

God’s righteous right hand is ready to sustain us.

Jesus assured His disciples that in this world they would have trouble. As His believers, we will too. Yet our Savior also promised that “I have overcome the world.”

And we can too.

Through God’s power and His promises, we rise.

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Dear Lord, help me to have the faith and stamina needed for when I fall or trouble assails me. Show me how to have discernment, wisdom, and clarity. But most of all, guide me through and to—You. Amen.

Your turn: In times when you feel hopeless, what are concrete ways you can redirect yourself back into the Father’s arms?

How does the fact that Jesus has “overcome the world” put our problems into proper perspective?