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I love the Psalms

~ Connecting daily with God through the Psalms

I love the Psalms

Daily Archives: November 4, 2019

The Words of a Warrior

04 Monday Nov 2019

Posted by davidkitz in Devotionals, Psalm 118, Psalms

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Tags

battles, courage, Joshua, power of God, warrior

Reading: Psalm 118
(Verses 8-14)
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the L
ORD
than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the L
ORD I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the L
ORD I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the L
ORD I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the L
ORD helped me.
The L
ORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation
(NIV).

IMG_20180629_1825564-ANIMATION (2)

The Parthenon, Athens, Greece — photo by David Kitz

Reflection
Psalm 118 is perhaps the most militant psalm in the Bible. The psalmist assumes a combative stance. He is ready to take on the world and everything his adversaries can toss at him. These are the words of a fighter—a courageous warrior: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.

Some may find the aggressive words of this psalm offensive. To be frank, I prefer the more passive psalms that speak of quiet waters, grassy hills and star-filled night skies, but life is more than tranquil repose. It also includes moments of conflict and combat. As the author of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 9). There is a time to be conciliatory, but there also are times when we need to stand our ground and defend our faith and our way of life.

Joshua is a Bible character who exemplifies the attitude and intent of this psalm. He was a man on a mission. His mission, assigned to him by God, was the conquest of Canaan. If you read the Book of Joshua, you will discover that he pursued his mission with a ruthless passion that ultimately brought victory and success. In his farewell speech to the nation, Joshua had these words of advice: “The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God” (Joshua 23:9-11).

The God of peace is also the God who fights for you. Very little in this life is accomplished without rugged determination and a fighting spirit. Joshua proved that great nation-changing things are possible when we move forward with courage and tap into the power of God.

Response: Father God, there are battles that you want me to fight. Help me to personally tap into your power. Give me courage to stand for you and your truth though a thousand oppose me. Amen.

Your Turn: Are there great things that God has called you to accomplish? Is He fighting for you?

Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer

Psalms 365

"Psalms 365" is designed to help you develop a life of worship and prayer like the biblical David. Each daily reading provides insight and inspiration for practical Christian living, allowing the Good shepherd to guide you to the center of his will.

Psalms

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