Our Reading: Psalm 108 & Matthew 26:24-25
Today we do not fear a literal army invading our homes or communities as they did in the days of the Bible. But, we do have enemies and those who rise up against us. We have people in our lives who may lie about us, slander our reputations, do destructive things or just treat us unfairly. In those times and when dealing with difficult people and unjust situations, we have choices.
Choice 1:Take Matters Into Our Own Hands.
We can muster our own defenses. Perhaps that takes the form of confrontation or striking back in some way against that person’s behaviors to vindicate ourselves and / or our reputations. But, when we act out of our own flesh and hurtful pride, we likely march into battle with only our own limited resources and knowledge. If our agenda is self driven and we do not consult God, then we go into battle without His blessing or resources. I don’t think I won’t to be in this situation:
“Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go out, O God, with our armies.”
Psalm 108:11
Choice 2: Consult God and give Him command of the situation.
Stand down and wait for His marching orders. This means you may have to keep your mouth shut and endure the circumstances quietly and patiently while you wait for God to take action. He may involve you to take action or He may need you to just stay the coarse and trust His plans and purposes. While we wait, we should ask for His help for only He knows what is the best course of action. If an enemy needs to be defeated or put in check, God knows exactly how and when to do battle.
“Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” Psalm 108:12-13
What does valiantly mean:
According to Vocabulary.com: “To be valiant is to have courage and to persevere, especially in difficult circumstances. Therefore, to act valiantly is to show courage and perseverance. A basketball player with a sore ankle who helps win the game has played valiantly. A war hero served his country valiantly. Martin Luther King worked for civil rights valiantly. This word has to do with strength of character and fortitude. Acting valiantly is difficult, which is why others admire it.”
A good attitude and perspective to have in difficult circumstances is to choose to act valiantly. Notice in this Psalm, that it gives us the key to accomplishing this: “With God”! I must admit that when dealing with difficult situations, I would prefer a quick and easy solution and preferably one that makes me feel better immediately. With every challenge in life is the opportunity to make the choice to act valiantly and let God be in charge of the battle.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
Reflection:
- What is your tendency in response to difficult situations and those who rise up against you? Do you choose option 1 or 2?
- Do you desire to act valiantly? If so, can you stand down and wait for God’s instructions and trust the outcomes to Him?
Prayer: Father, may we learn to be reliant on You instead of ourselves. May we have the strength to act valiantly and realize that we need to wait for You to give us our marching orders. May we be content to do nothing and endure if that is what You ask of us, trusting the outcomes to You. May we choose to march forward into battle only with You leading the way. We thank You for promising to never abandon us or leave us alone.