I recently decided to go all Marie Kondo on my office space in order to create a sane place for me to work. As I viewed the shelf with my myriad of journals spanning decades of life, I thought that maybe it was time to let go of some of them. So I grabbed one and perused it, deciding if it was time to part with it.
And suddenly within those pages, I remembered who God is.
He is the God who fought my battles.
Instantly I was transported back to a time when I was in over my head with a manipulative and abusive spouse, trying to raise my two boys on my own, going back to school, working, attending mediation and counseling and trying to make sense of the madness that my life had become - daily I would cry out to God for deliverance.
And throughout the pages I saw how He showed up, how He lifted my spirits, encouraged me, provided for me, protected me - fought for me. I ended up in tears, having a sweet moment of complete and utter praise with the God who looks at me with both compassion and fierce determination and brings me through the fire triumphantly. He sets a table in the presence of my enemies.
My battles look different these days. Discouragement with finances, fear of my husband’s health issues, dissatisfaction with my job, anxiety and overwhelm… Do I still remember who fights my battles? Do I invite God into the madness still?
In scriptures we see David boldly calling out before Goliath in the name of the God of the Armies of Israel, the Lord of Hosts. When Elisha was surrounded, he prayed that his servants' eyes would be opened to see the armies of angels outnumbering their enemies all around them. God is fighting for us. God commands the most incredible army in existence and when we call on Him to help us, He shows up in force.
No matter what battle you are fighting today, know that you are NOT outnumbered or defeated by the enemy. Our battles may manifest in the physical realm but above all they are spiritual and we know who sits on Heaven’s throne: the Lord of Hosts! So take heart and when you need help, call on the God of the Angel Armies. Then stand firm with confidence and praise Him in advance for His victory in your life. God and His forces are with you.
“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! [...] And everyone will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” 1 Samuel 17:45-47
-Kelly Joyce (a contributor writer and member of the COBI community)
When Elisha was surrounded, he prayed that his servants' eyes would be opened to see the armies of angels outnumbering their enemies all around them
I found this so helpful to read. It gives me just the attitude of strength that I need with your deep understanding, explanation, and scriptural quotes to let me know that with the Lord I have what need because the Creator of the Universe can do anything and accomplish everything ! Thank you.