Frequently life seems to be a struggle, and sometimes even a battle. No one is exempt from struggles, including Christians. Sometimes the battles we face are caused or brought about by other people. And very frequently it is a spiritual battle that we are in. Like all of us, David experienced both battles and struggles with people and against the forces of darkness. Our psalm for today, written by David, and sometimes called The Warrior’s Psalm, tells us of how he faced these experiences.
As our psalm opens, we read where we, as believers, will find our help, and the strength we need when faced with battles (vs. 1-2). David tells us that we will find help in the Lord, as He is our strong Rock, and our High Tower where we can take refuge when enemies, whether physical or spiritual, come against us. He is our Shield and Deliverer. We can and should depend on God for our strength, and not on ourselves.
When we are faced with a battle, when the enemies of the Lord come against us, we need to remember that this is a spiritual battle. In our personal lives, God does not want us to go out and physically fight and attack our enemies. Instead, we are to put on our spiritual armor, each piece of which is described in Ephesians 6:10-18. God trains us through His Word to fight against sin, Satan, and the world.
In the next verses (vs. 3-4), David then repeats the thoughts he had in another psalm, where he states how insignificant mankind is compared to God’s majesty (Psalm 8:4). Job had also stated similar sentiments in Job 7:17. Our lives are fleeting, just like shadows. This should humble us. We are nothing apart from God’s grace, yet in spite of that He deeply cares for us and loves us. It is amazing but true that the great God of the Universe stoops to care for frail humanity.
David then continues in his psalm by praying for the Lord God to “bow down Your heavens”, and deliver him from his enemies who speak lying words (vs. 5-8). He has seen throughout the history of his nation, and in his own personal life as well, that God intervenes in history to protect His people. We can know that in our own life, too. Believers can, and should pray earnestly for God’s deliverance from enemies, both physical enemies who oppose God’s truth, and spiritual enemies from Satan’s kingdom of darkness.
As our psalm continues, we read of David giving both praise and prayers to the Lord (vs 9-11). Praise and prayer go hand in hand. It should never be one-sided. We should never just continually bring our prayers to God, but never give Him thanks or praise. David vowed to worship and praise God even as he pleaded for His help. When we go through trials in our life, which we all will do from time to time, we should not only pray to the Lord for His help and deliverance, but also commit to bringing Him praise and thanksgiving, glorifying God when He answers.
David concludes his psalm with a vision of national blessing from the Lord (vs. 12-15). He describes the blessings of a godly nation, one with sons strong as plants and daughters polished as corner stones. A nation with full barns, with multiplying sheep and strong oxen, and with no breaches of security, but instead safety in the streets. National prosperity is tied to God’s blessings. We see this reflected in the covenant promises that God made to Israel, recorded in Deuteronomy 28. For Christians, this points to the principle that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). A godly people will enjoy peace and prosperity under God’s hand. We all should be praying that our respective nations will turn to Jesus, and for a spiritual revival throughout our country.
This would also apply on a personal level and in our families and with our children. From a very early age Christian parents should be teaching their children about Jesus and the Bible. If we are following Jesus and obeying His Word, though we will face trials and tribulations throughout life, we will also receive His blessings and His peace in our life. True joy and security come only when we acknowledge God in our life.
In conclusion, when we face battles and struggles in our life, we should trust in God as our fortress, and be prepared with our spiritual armor on and ready. In our families we need to pray for our children to be strong in the faith, just like a strong, well-rooted plant and polished foundation stones. True blessings come when we honor the Lord. When we do, this will show the world that happiness is found only in knowing the Lord Jesus as Savior. Whether in battle, family life, or national prosperity, Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment