How to Live Unshaken in Christ

Friend, are you easily shaken by difficult circumstances? Sometimes I am. But we don’t have to be, for the Lord sees and will sustain us. Turning to Scripture, let’s discover how to live unshaken in Christ.

I Corinthians 16:13 exhorts us, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong” (CSB).

4 Principles to Live Unshaken in Christ

1. Be Alert

First, “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” ( I Peter 5:8 NIV).

Expounding on this truth, Marc Eichelberger (pastor and teacher), states that the enemy stalks Christians “in order to trip them up, in order to devour them – render them useless, joyless and fruitless. He comes after us to make us…unproductive Christians.”

How vital we remain alert then to the enemy’s schemes!  He attempts to wear us down, discourage us and cause us to doubt God – His love, His provision, His protection. In times of difficulty, the enemy wants you to focus on the circumstances rather than on God Almighty, the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent One.

When you find yourself tripped up by the enemy, don’t despair. Instead, go to the Lord and pour out your heart. He will comfort and strengthen you, for the Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 145:8). As you draw close to Him, He will draw close to you (James 4:8a).

2. Stand Firm in the Faith

Second, counter the enemy’s attacks by “[resisting] him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (I Peter 1:9 NIV).

Resist the enemy by taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). If any thought does not align with God’s Word, refuse to dwell on it by replacing the enemy’s lies with God’s truth. Proclaim who God is, His promises and how He has been faithful in the past. Then relinquish the situation to the Lord. Doing so removes its heavy burden and demonstrates trust in the Lord.

Now, stand firm in the faith by putting on the full armor of God – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:11,14-17). 

Note that Ephesians 6:16 states that with the shield of faith, we “can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”. Is it any wonder then that the enemy attempts to draw our focus away from God?

Therefore, no matter what, stand firm, equipped in God’s armor. Know that God is working all things out for your good to conform you into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Even though you may not understand, choose to trust in His faithfulness. He will never let you down.

Psalm 145:13 reminds us, “The Lord is faithful to all of His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 145:13 NIV).

3. Be Strong

Third, “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we stand strong. This requires living in daily submission to the Spirit and staying attentive to His indwelling presence. 

Friend, wherever you go or whatever you face, God is always with you. Plus, God is greater and more powerful than any circumstance. With God Almighty by our side, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31). Knowing these things, determine to fix your eyes on the Lord rather than the circumstances. 

4. Be Courageous

Lastly, be courageous. Because God is for you and with you, refuse to succumb to fear by the power of the Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us fearful, but gives us power, love, and sound judgment” (CSB).

Friend, you are dearly loved by the Lord as His child. And nothing can separate you from His love, for He holds you securely in His hand (Romans 8:39, John 10:28-29). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will empower, equip and instruct you.

Therefore, friend, “[b]e strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).

No matter what we may face, we can live unshaken in Christ by remaining alert, standing firm in the faith, and refusing to succumb to fear by the power of the Holy Spirit.

David proclaims in Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (NIV). May this be true of us.

Reflection with Prayer to Live Unshaken in Christ

• Is my attention directed to my circumstances rather than God?
• Do I tend to dwell on the enemy’s lies? 
• Am I living in daily submission to the Spirit, attentive to His presence?
• Am I daily equipped in the armor of God?
• Do I easily succumb to fear?
• What action steps can I take today?

Father, thank You that You are always with us. We have nothing to fear with You by our side. Help us to remain alert to the enemy’s schemes. May we take every thought captive, replacing lies with Your truth. May we clothe ourselves in the armor You have given us so that we stand firm in faith. Thank You for empowering us with the Holy Spirit. May we yield daily to Him so that we stand strong and courageous in Your power. We love You and desire to give You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (CSB).

2 Chronicles 16:9a “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (NIV).

Further Study to Live Unshaken in Christ

• Dive deeper into the principles from I Corinthians 16:13 by downloading my free eBook, Standing Steadfast: Keys to Living Unshaken when you join my monthly newsletter.

• Learn more about the armor of God in this post: Standing Strong Against the Enemy

• Understand the Importance of Viewing Trials as Opportunities in order to become more like Christ.

• Delve into 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 to discover that it is By God’s Power We Overcome Hardship