“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
“The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 1 Samuel 17:47
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15,17
“Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!” Psalm 24:8
Many are the foes of the righteous. The enemy lives to steal, kill, divide, and destroy. The righteous face constant temptation to pride, greed, and lust. Jesus promised His children scorn, spiritual battle, persecution, suffering, and tribulation. But He also promises His presence and salvation. We need to fight, to enter the battle prepared and armed, to take God’s provided way of victory or escape, and boldly trust the result of every battle to the Lord who is mighty. In Him, we shall do valiantly, because greater is He in us than he in the world. (Isaiah 48:10-11; Matthew 5:10-12; Mark 13:13; John 10:10; 16:33; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 3:12-17; 1 John 2:16; 4:4)
What battle rages today? When confessed and forgiven sin sneaks back to haunt, we do valiantly by reckoning it dead. When doubts about our value and purpose smother us with self–loathing and too much focus on self altogether, we do valiantly by gazing at the cross, and rejoicing in the Lord’s steadfast love for His own. When the world’s enticements whisper in our ears, lure emotions, awaken alien affections, or captivate our senses, we do valiantly to name them, set our minds on the things of God, and tell the devil to flee. When fear grips and worry trips, we do valiantly to pray with thanksgiving. (Isaiah 43:4,25; 44:1-5; Matthew 16:23; Romans 6:6-11; Philippians 4:6-7; James 4:7)
We may be facing foes of flesh, those who castigate, criticize, or condemn, those who abandon, betray, or wound. Even here, we shall do valiantly when we rely on the One who is with us in the fire, and look for His redemption. Our hope and confidence in every battle is that Jesus wins. In the end, He is Victor. Sin and death are gone, the enemy is defeated, and all will be well. This certainty should fuel our courage in every conflict. (Isaiah 43:2-3a; Daniel 3:25; Revelation 20:7-10; 21:3-5,22-27)
Are we timid or brave? Daunted or prepared? What will it take for us to stand firm, hold our position, and trust the King of glory to triumph? And would we then praise His might and exult in His salvation? (Psalm 109:30-31)
Great Captain, fit me with a heavenly mindset and the armor of God, that I may fight valiantly every day against all that is opposed to You.
As the rain and snow 