Bulletin Articles
I Shall Not Be Moved
Does anyone remember this song?
Glory Hallelujah! I shall not be moved.
Anchored to Jehovah I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.
In His love abiding I shall not be moved.
and in Him confiding I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.
Though all hell assail me I shall not be moved.
Jesus will not fail me I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.
Though the tempest rages I shall not be moved.
On the Rock of Ages I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.
I shall not be I shall not be moved.
I shall not be I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved.
-- Edward H. Boatner
The above song expresses an important sentiment for the child of God. Yet, we must understand the foundation for being able to say, "I shall not be moved," for it is possible to be on shaky ground even when expressing this kind of confidence. For our understanding of this mindset, we turn to the psalms.
1. Self-reliance. Psalm 10 describes the wicked, who in their pride pursue the godly, boast of their own desire, and direct their thoughts toward the idea that there is no God (vv. 2-4). The wicked even "snorts" at their adversaries. The wicked on says to himself, "I will not be moved; throughout all generations I will not be in adversity" (vs. 6). Here is a person who relies only on self. When times are good, we often tend to think that the adversities won't happen to us. In our youth, we tend to think we will last forever; we can do anything and nothing will ever hurt us. Yet, as this passage reminds us, such thinking is rather foolish. These are the thoughts of those who cast God from their minds. If we are to say, "I shall not be moved," then let it not be because we are relying only on ourselves. If we are, then we will be sorely shaken.
2. Prosperity deceives. Psalm 30 describes the one who thought at one time that prosperity could keep him unshaken. "Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, 'I will never be moved.' O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong; You hid Your face, I was dismayed" (vv 6-7). Financial security, while nice to have, is not always so nearly certain as would like to think. This is why, as Paul told Timothy, we are not to trust in the uncertainty of our riches, "but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17). Worldly prosperity is deceptive. If we momentarily enjoy the feeling of financial security, well and good. But we need to be aware of the flimsy foundation that such prosperity can have. "Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten…" (Jas 5:2-3). If we are going to say, "I shall not be moved," let it not be due to worldly prosperity, for that, too, will ultimately fail.
3. God as the Stronghold. If not on self, and not on prosperity, then on whom can we rely? "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2). The only legitimate way we can think, "I shall not be moved," is when we put our trust completely upon the Lord. Our hope in God gives us the "anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…" (Heb 6:19). God gives us a sense of true stability (cf. Jas 1:6) to keep us from being tossed about in our faith and doctrine (Eph 4:14). When we trust God, then we are in the right position and proper stance to be able to say, "I shall not be moved." We can be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of Lord," knowing that our labor is not vain (1 Cor 15:58). This is confidence, not on self, not on earthly things, but in God who has the power to work in our lives as He wills. By storing up "the treasure of a good foundation for the future," we may "take hold of that which is life indeed" (1 Tim 6:19).
Let God be your Rock and Fortress. Everyone and everything else will ultimate disappoint. "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8).
