“I’ve Got Your Back”

“WWI pilots were the first to say, “I got your six,” meaning they’ve got you covered so the enemy can’t come up behind your back and kill you. “I got your six” means “I’ve got your back.” It declares  I’m loyal to you.”  While these phrases originated in  a context of receiving help in the midst of physical danger, it certainly can apply to any danger or trial or pressure.

Today this  phrase seems to be getting a bit overused. When this happens,  it tends to lose some of its power and intensity. “ Hey if you forget to buy enough beer, I’ve got your back…. I’ll pick up a 6 pack from home… yes indeed, I’ve got your back…. you can count on me…don’t worry about a thing… I’m ready to lay down everything for you…bla,bla,bla.

Well, despite some overuse, the phrase “I’ve got your back”, symbolizes something very important. We all need to know we’re not out on a limb by ourselves. We all need to know that others are standing behind us as we risk something… maybe risking our time, our reputation, our energy, our money …. maybe our safety, maybe even our life.

Even the Lord needed that assurance. He spent nights in prayer with his father…he heard his father say to him, “this is my beloved son… I’m well pleased with him …. listen to him.” (Mt. 3:17; Luke 9:35)  Clearly, God the  Father had Jesus’s back. The Holy Trinity was all together in this great mission of redemption and NOTHING could get between them. The devil tried but he was squashed.

We also need the assurance of God that he has our back as we seek to do his will on this earth. As we keep ourselves in God’s will, we can count on him to protect us.. to give us grace and help in our times of need. God will never abandon us.

We also need the loyalty and help of our friends in this desperate spiritual battle that we find ourselves. We need brothers and sisters who will be there for us as we step out to do God’s will…especially when it’s difficult… especially when things go wrong…. especially when we may fail.  We don’t need “fair weather” friends… we need real friends who will not abandon us.

When one of us risks something for the Lord, we must stand with them …..  not at a distance, but close at hand. We must be ready to lend a hand, to help out, to encourage, to join in…. to put ourselves at risk in order to accomplish the task.

I’ve personally experienced the great support of my holy wife over the many years as we have attempted some risky things for the Lord. I’ve experienced the support and council of strong holy friends who have stood with me and helped and guided me, who I knew would not abandon me in the midst of the fray.

Let’s be there for one another as we seek to stand against the enemies of God in this desperate age. Let’s continue to “have each others back”.