My pastor preached a sermon about the war in which we are entangled daily. His bottom line was we would either appease or fight. There is no middle ground in war. Those who “go along” with the world to “get along” with the world will eventually lose their souls. It’s really so cut and dry. I wish it wasn’t. How my flesh wants a foot on both sides of the fence, but you never get anywhere straddling the rails and honestly the comfort level is unendurable. We have to choose sides and then we have to suit up for battle.
The intensity of the war does ebb and flow. Some days and seasons the attacks are relentless. It seems the devil will never lose your address. Then there are short times when the Lord lifts us up above the battle and gives His soldiers rest.
As I read through 2 Samuel this week, I was reminded what a warrior David was. His battles included real blood shed, daggers, and arrows. Therefore, his Psalms intertwined worship with war. All of his songs weren’t tunes to help the sheep relax. Some were war cries.
Have you ever worshipped in the middle of the battle? Nothing shakes the hordes of hell more than some genuine worship in the heat of the attack. I find that often, I just need to stop and declare that God is Sovereign. He is not shaken by my trial. I have to stop fretting the battle lines and just praise Him.
Sometimes, it rhymes…
The Battle Rages
The battle rages deftly.
Blows sting from either side.
At times I'm knocked to my knees,
From there, my battle cry.
"God, help me stand in battle.
God, help me never fall.
Hold my shield up for me,
Because I'm giving it my all."
The strikes are not quick glances.
The sharp pains leave lasting wounds.
I need courage to go back to battle;
While my mind rehearses the ruins.
Some battles last for decades.
It's hard to even keep score.
Just when you think it's over;
The enemy comes back for more.
But, I know You are my Commander.
You'll not leave a man on the field.
The battle buffets your army;
But to our enemy, You will not yield.
Why should you? You're the Victor!
The war has been soundly won!
The losers: satan and his leagues
The Victors: God, Holy Spirit, and Son.
The weapons you have given us,
While Jesus declared our victory,
Are mighty for pulling down strongholds
Of fear, discouragement and disease.
The promise is for the overcomer;
Who I am, through Jesus' power.
I fight the devil daily.
His defeat promised in one hour.
All the hordes and their defeated leader,
The lake of fire will devour.
Triumphantly, I fight a defeated foe.
His anthem hate, my King is love.
And though the battle rages,
My Victor reigns from His throne above.
So carry on, my fellow soldier.
Endure hardship for our King.
When the arrows are denting your shield of faith,
Just lift up your hands and sing!
~Suellyn
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 2:3
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
I know there are some worshipping soldiers out there. I believe God so enjoys our honest praise. Feel free to add a line or two to the psalm in the comment section. Hey, write 8 or 10 lines, if the words begin to flow. A warrior’s cry is always inspiring!
