DEFENDER

During their wilderness years, Moses often warned the Israelites that claiming the Promised Land would not come without challenges, trials, and even battles. In each case, he encouraged them with a promise …

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

“The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt …” (Deuteronomy 1:30)

“Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:22)

Like the Israelites of Moses’ day, you and I will also face struggles and trials in our lives. James (Jesus’ half-brother) wrote these words …

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  (James 1:2-3)

Notice that James does not use the phrase if you face trials. He says, “Whenever you face trials.” I’m reminded of the lyrics from a popular song in the 60’s: I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden; Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometime.

You may not want to hear this, but God never promised us a rose garden. People who tell you Christians will never face trials or hard times are badly mistaken. We will. If you haven’t yet, you will. But the good news is that we have a DEFENDER who goes before us and fights for us. I love the second half of Exodus 14:14 – “You need only to be still.”

As you praise the Lord as DEFENDER this week, take time to Be Still and watch Him fight the battles for you.

Sunday Supplication

Lord, Your people are facing trials that seem to come at us from all sides. A pandemic. Death. Chronic and terminal illnesses. Broken marriages. Shattered dreams. Everywhere we turn we see heartbreak and grief. The enemy has declared war on us and there are days we feel defenseless against his attacks. As we praise You this week as our DEFENDER, remind us that even when we may not see it, YOU ARE FIGHTING for us. We are never alone in the battle. Thank you for being our DEFENDER. Go before us this week and fight the good fight for us. AMEN! SO BE IT!

Monday Manna

“The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

Exodus 15:2

Tuesday Treasure

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalm 68:4-5

Wednesday Wisdom

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Psalm 118:13-17

Thursday Truth

It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

Isaiah 19:20

Friday Fact

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 12:2

Saturday Song