September 11, Constant Battles

Today’s reading: Psalms 51-55

“He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me” - Psalm 55:18.

Both Psalms and Revelation inform the believer that warfare is the constant companion of those who put their faith in God. In Psalms, the battle is physical, for David was always under attack from his enemies, which were sometimes from his own family! In Revelation, the battle is spiritual, and the forces that align themselves against God attack God’s people with ruthless regularity. The message in both books is clear: God is your source of strength, deliverance, and victory, and is your only help or hope of salvation in the midst of your powerful enemies. How will you be victorious in this battle? John wrote this:

Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short (Revelation 12:10-12).

Are you surprised at the level of warfare you are in? Are you fighting the good fight to overcome with the weapons of your testimony and faith in Christ? Lord, I confess I am surprised at the warfare involved in gaining spiritual victories. I know my victory is secure in Christ, but I must be more aggressive to achieve the overcoming life You want me to have. Teach me to engage the spiritual battle without being overwhelmed. In other words, Lord, help me to know what only I can do and leave the rest for You.