Let God Win For You

You know that exhaustion even though you've been sleeping ok? Or that drained-feeling even though you've been keeping your normal routine?

I've had moments recently in which I've reacted in ways that really surprised me, and not in a good way.

I think that we can see the restrictions, the uncertainty, the loneliness, the loss of life...it's all adding up and the sum isn't growing any prettier or more tolerable.

So when I saw Psalm 46:9, I really FELT it. But I noticed something new this time.

"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire."

This verse may not seem extraordinary, but I think it may be just what our weary hearts are desperate for today.

God allows wars and He makes wars cease; He is the God of justice and peace. But look at what He does on the battlefield, "He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire."

He doesn't just sweep in and help us when we need it, or if we pray hard enough, or if we stand on the right side of the issues.

God removes the offensive weapon (shield) and the defensive weapon (spear) from us, and He Himself becomes our greatest source of protection and victory, no questions asked.

God knows that He has to remove both the spear and the shield in order for us to see that the battle is not ours to win.

He is WITH US. The name for God in this passage is "Yahweh Sabaoth" which means, "Commander of the armies". Armies here don't just mean people. God is the Commander of Armies, of people, angels, the earth and stars. He commands it all, but cares about you deeply enough to take away the weapons that you trust more than Him.

How do you know that you need Him to intervene?

When you have to keep giving yourself a pep-talk to get through this time. When you become critical of people and circumstances. When you look at the future with uncertainty. When "self-care" doesn't seem to revive you.

Your arms are fatigued from holding the shield. Your hands are blistered from holding your spear. You're exhausted from the fight and it shows. Peace won't come from a victory. Peace will come when you let the Commander of Armies take care of the enemies you can't seem to shake.

Psalm 46 says that He is our "refuge and strength", our "fortress", the "Most High".

But He also has His eyes on you today.

Let go of your weapon and shield. The Commander is here. The Victory that you can't see yet has arrived.

With Love,

Em