FINDING COURAGE ON THE BATTLEFIELD
Psalm 138:3, 7 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
[7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Israel’s greatest hero and most valiant king takes no glory in the victories he’s won, only in the ONE who gave him the boldness and courage to fight them. To the soldier who has discovered the wellspring of God’s courage and learned to drink therein, there will be no fear before his eyes. Boldness and bravery are not attained or earned; they are given of God, fashioned by HIS mighty hand for the child who is HIS and doing HIS work. Any human courage we may be able to muster will fail us in times of challenge. David was no skilled soldier when God called him to lead the armies of Israel, only a shepherd boy that slew the bear, the lion and the giant Philistine by the power of the God of Israel. He knew he had no courage within himself. So, at an early age he learned to call upon God to help him in his time of need. If we depend upon the Lord in the fields and pastures of peace, we will have no lack of HIS touch and power upon the battlefields. Hallelujah!
Have you ever had to go in and ask for a raise or approach your boss about taking time off; or go to a friend or co-worker to discuss a matter that was difficult or embarrassing? Have you ever struggled at times with bowing your head to bless your meal because of your peers or being in public, or been too ashamed to speak your convictions for fear of rejection or the consequences you might incur? Maybe you’ve lacked the courage to lift your hands in praise and worship to the Lord for fear of what others might think? There are those who welcome confrontation and then there are those who run from it, on any level. Unfortunately, in life we will not always have the option of running or avoidance. But there is hope for each and every person who wants to run from the fight and wishes they had more courage at times.
Through the life of King David we understand that we no longer have to run from battle, for on the day he called to the Lord, he was given boldness and strength of soul. Christian friend, there is a wellspring of great power and might if we would only seek HIM and ask, HE is there! When Jesus is with us in battle, HE washes away every fear and dispels all doubt. The enemy trembles at the sound of the footsteps of the child of God who has armed himself, not with bow and arrow fashioned by human hands, but with trust and quiet confidence in HIS God who will fight for him. God cannot be defeated, no matter how fierce or numerous the enemy. Victory is not limited to, nor dependent on, our ability to stand. Praise the Lord!
Today Christian friend, you do not have to possess courage or strength, only dependency upon the ONE who has all strength; the ONE who can never fail! So many times the Lord has reached down HIS hand and placed courage within my heart. It has been in the most extremely difficult of times that I needed HIS touch and we would have not survived or made it through without HIM. I just had to ask HIM, and HE was there! We need but call to HIM in the day of battle! The Lord has been tried and tested and HE has proven Himself faithful on the battlefield. When HE is with us, there is NO NEED TO RUN; just stand and fight in HIS strength alone. Today, if you’re in the midst of trouble, fighting a battle YOU can NOT win, give your burden to Jesus and the Lord WILL give you courage and victory over every foe!
Bro. Lawrence Longworth
Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
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