Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Battle Conditions
When we are trying to battle the enemy, we can get lost or the battle. Or for me at least that is true. I begin to see the things that are or are not happening in the way I anticipate them. The result is struggle that is very hard to live through, or so it seems. In those times I find it helpful to understand what the real conditions of battle are and how to not only endure but be at rest inside while in the battle. As I prayed about this today, God reminded me of a psalm.
Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
In this famous psalm the shadow of death today means more to me than just physically dieing. It is that darkness that attacks us in our mind and our thinking and in our hearts. And what does David say? While we are in that struggle, God prepares what we need and celebrate life with Him in that moment. And at he end, we get to dwell there forever!
The next time you are faced with a struggle with darkness, try to imagine sitting down with God at a magnificent banquet while the darkness screams in vain. With the little finger of His left hand He can flick them into oblivion. And He made you dinner! Praise God!
Prayer
Father, we exalt You. Thank You for Your provision in the midst of the battle. Thank You for not forgetting us. Thank You for Your deliverance, and thank You for giving us the opportunity to live with You in Your house forever. Please show that to us and the darkness that comes against us today, in this moment, here. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.