Fighting for truth

 Psalm 120:1–7 (ESV):  

1  In my distress I called to the Lord, 

and he answered me. 

 2  Deliver me, O Lord, 

from lying lips, 

from a deceitful tongue. 

 3  What shall be given to you, 

and what more shall be done to you, 

you deceitful tongue? 

 4  A warrior’s sharp arrows, 

with glowing coals of the broom tree! 

 5  Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, 

that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! 

 6  Too long have I had my dwelling 

among those who hate peace. 

 7  I am for peace, 

but when I speak, they are for war! 

When you encounter times of distress it is easy to become overwhelmed and think that the whole world is against you. It can seem that everywhere you turn there are enemies and deceit. When you’re in such a time of hardship, everything can seem difficult, and it can feel like you are on your own. It is easy to focus on the pain, discomfort and difficulty and not see anything else. You feel as if you are surrounded by; ‘lying lips’, ‘sharp arrows’, ‘glowing coals’, and ‘those who hate peace’, they are everywhere you look! When your attention is captured by negativity and hardship that can be all you see. Then it is easy to be overwhelmed, anxious and angry. When these emotions swamp you, the fight can seem futile. This is especially so when it feels like you are the only one standing up for what is right. A bearer of truth and peace encircled by lies, chaos and violence. It is exhausting continuing to attempt to bring peace and restoration when, ‘i speak, they are for war’. Every time you open your mouth to bring some kind of resolution, you are shot down by sharp arrows and glowing coals, a battle erupts and you can wonder; is it worth the fight? What is the point, i am not making a difference? 

When you feel like that, go back to the start of the psalm, ‘in my distress i called to the Lord, and he answered me’. Think about that. You are not fighting alone, no matter how it feels. When you stand up for righteousness, for the things God cares about, when you stand on truth and desire peace, you have God on your side! So the best thing to consider is not the difficulty, but what does God want you to do in this situation? Whatever He tells you, do it. You are one of His children, living amongst a people who do not acknowledge Him, so it will be tough at times. You will have to stand up and stand out from the crowd by displaying God's kingdom values, like not lying, or trying to enforce your views through terror. You belong to a different kingdom, so ask for God's strength to help you show it, and remind yourself that God sees, cares for, and is with you (v1). What greater power and influence can you have than knowing God is present and answering you?

Take time to think about previous battles, whether they are yours, someone else's, or biblical accounts - what happened then?! I am sure that you will see that the people of God were oppressed, battling, finding life difficult, until God answered in a tangible way. He stepped in, rescued, and sorted it out. Therefore, keep living life obedient to God. Don’t be swayed or misdirected by others, keep being the truth teller and the peace bringer, keep standing for what you know is right, and keep asking God to intervene. The Lord Your God will prevail in the battles you face. For what are lying lips, glowing coals, sharp arrows, deceitful tongues or war bringers in front of Almighty God?! 

God's Word helps you in battle

 Psalm 119:81–88 (ESV): 

Kaph

 81  My soul longs for your salvation; 

I hope in your word. 

 82  My eyes long for your promise; 

I ask, “When will you comfort me?” 

 83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, 

yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 

 84  How long must your servant endure? 

When will you judge those who persecute me? 

 85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; 

they do not live according to your law. 

 86  All your commandments are sure; 

they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 

 87  They have almost made an end of me on earth, 

but I have not forsaken your precepts. 

 88  In your steadfast love give me life, 

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. 

Do you long for salvation and for God’s promises? Sometimes you can feel dry, cracked and worn out like a ‘wineskin in the smoke’, do you keep holding onto God’s promises then? Even when life is tough, and it looks like God’s blessings are far off, do you remain obedient? 

It can seem that the world is against you at times, and in some ways that is true, as the Prince of this world, Satan, wants to prevent you from living God’s way. So he will send temptations, trials and troublesome people to obliterate your faith and surround you with lies. What do you do when that happens? 

This writer admits they have experienced this, yet although ‘they have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts’. Their steadfast love and faithfulness to God has held firm. For they have taken the truth of God’s Word, read it, studied it and applied it to their life. So now, in the times of trouble, they can depend upon God and know what the truth is. They know He has spoken about salvation, freedom and the blessing of the obedient. They are assured of salvation because ‘i hope in your word’. They really know what God is like and what He has said for they have taken time to learn and obey. So now, in  persecution, they can trust that God is for them and will bring them through. They have built a firm foundation of faith, and can rely on the knowledge that they are one of God’s people, so He will come to their aid against any enemy that comes against them. They have the Word of God to rely on. Jesus fought with Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God, and eventually the enemy fled. For he cannot stand against God’s Word. So, are you investing time in reading and understanding Scripture? It is a powerful weapon in times of trouble!

Psalm 119:89–96 (ESV): 

Lamedh

 89  Forever, O Lord, your word 

is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

 90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations; 

you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 

 91  By your appointment they stand this day, 

for all things are your servants. 

 92  If your law had not been my delight, 

I would have perished in my affliction. 

 93  I will never forget your precepts, 

for by them you have given me life. 

 94  I am yours; save me, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

 95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, 

but I consider your testimonies. 

 96  I have seen a limit to all perfection, 

but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 

Sometimes life is hard so that you feel downcast and like life is a drudge. Especially when there’s unfair persecution when you are living your life faithfully obedient to God. When will the suffering end? is often a question we ask, and when will the persecuters get their comeuppance? At those times, how precious and beautiful is the Word of God! The reliable, consistent life-giving statutes, the truth, hope, reassurance and revelation of Jesus, the conviction of sin and righteousness. Oh how promising and enjoyable are the Scriptures that not only are in our hands, but are ‘firmly fixed in the heavens’! 

When you feel disheartened, disillusioned or downcast, remember not only the sufferings of Christ, but the established faithfulness of God through millennia, and the steadfastness of His Word. Turn to God, trust in Scripture and cling to it. This writer, even when enemies are lying in wait makes a point of recalling God’s Word. Just like Jesus, this writer uses the Word of God to fight his battles. Do you do the same? To do this you can; commit to memory the Word of God, recall stories and verses, remember the battles fought and won in times past, and trust in the testimonies of God’s goodness. These are the things to dwell upon rather than the distress of the situation you are in or the threats of the enemy. For even the perfect plan of Satan, however welll thought through and resourced is limited (v96) and cannot stand against God’s Word. His Word has given you life, it is trustworthy and certain and established in the heavens. Are you using it to bring life, hope and victory in your troubles?

Who are you fighting for?

Today, we are going to begin to look at Psalm 68, it is quite long so we will look at it in 3 parts, here is the first section:

 Psalm 68:1–18 (ESV):  

1  God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; 

and those who hate him shall flee before him! 

2  As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; 

as wax melts before fire, 

so the wicked shall perish before God! 

3  But the righteous shall be glad; 

they shall exult before God; 

they shall be jubilant with joy! 

4  Sing to God, sing praises to his name; 

lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; 

his name is the Lord; 

exult before him! 

5  Father of the fatherless and protector of widows 

is God in his holy habitation. 

6  God settles the solitary in a home; 

he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, 

but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. 

7  O God, when you went out before your people, 

when you marched through the wilderness, Selah 

8  the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, 

before God, the One of Sinai, 

before God, the God of Israel. 

9  Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad; 

you restored your inheritance as it languished; 

10  your flock found a dwelling in it; 

in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. 

11  The Lord gives the word; 

the women who announce the news are a great host: 

12  “The kings of the armies—they flee, they flee!” 

The women at home divide the spoil— 

13  though you men lie among the sheepfolds— 

the wings of a dove covered with silver, 

its pinions with shimmering gold. 

14  When the Almighty scatters kings there, 

let snow fall on Zalmon. 

15  O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; 

O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan! 

16  Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, 

at the mount that God desired for his abode, 

yes, where the Lord will dwell forever? 

17  The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, 

thousands upon thousands; 

the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary. 

18  You ascended on high, 

leading a host of captives in your train 

and receiving gifts among men, 

even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there. 

In case you are in any doubt, verse 1 tells us that God will win against the enemy. He will cause the wicked to flee, be driven away, melt, and perish (v1-2). So if you are in a battle right now, and you know you are walking and fighting with God, you can know that, ‘as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God’! They will melt, fade away, become useless before God. You just need to be sure - are you fighting with God or against Him? 

If you are with Him, this psalm offers great encouragement - you will succeed as God always triumphs. If you are not fighting with God, but fighting for what you want, or for things God stands against - be warned. For you will know; destruction, running away and defeat. So, when you are struggling for something you need to ask yourself why you are fighting. Is it for your own glory, satisfaction, to redeem yourself? Or are you led into the battle by God? You don't always need to fight, even for good things or for what is right. Exodus 14:4 says, 'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.' God will ensure that His righteousness is revealed and that His people triumph for He promises that, ‘the righteous shall be glad’. Sometimes, you need to step out of the way so that God can do the fighting instead of you. He wants to make the righteous glad -  These are the ones who are in right standing before God - do you get int he way on occasion by trying to right a wrong or fight a battle God has not asked you to? God will battle for those who live their lives in obedience to Him, and that includes getting involved in the situations He wants them to, not just doing what they think is right or what they want to do or are passionate about. If you want to be glad, ask yourself; Are you fighting battles that God would have you fight?

Think about your motivation and mindset to make sure that your desires and efforts are engaged where God wants them to be. Consider, in your life, what are the things God wants you to fight for and what does He want you to let go? This doesn't mean you assess your own feelings and go by what you feel, God's will is much higher than yours, and our emotions are poor leaders, He is not. Some things may really upset, frustrate and anger you, and there are probably situations you would love to have overturned, uprooted and demolished, but is God leading you into that fight? Ask God to show you how to respond in order for you to for you to see Him succeed, as sometimes you need to gird up and fight, but other times, 'you need only to be still'. Often that is much harder! To do nothing can be really painful as it means putting aside your own desires and emotions to do things God’s way, but no matter how uncomfortable or hard it is, if you are strong enough to do it, 'The Lord will fight for you', and surely you know that is going to bring the best outcome! 

Verse 11 starts, ‘The Lord gives the word’. The women in this verse wait for God to speak, then they act. Are you like that? Do you wait for God’s direction before you do something that greatly impacts yourself or others? These women waited for God’s timing, we do not know why certain things should be done at certain times, often we are impatient to get things going. Yet there is benefit in waiting for God to say ‘go’ - these women had good news to share, even so they waited until God wanted it known. Are you one who waits? Or do you rush into things without waiting for instruction or guidance? Again, knowing your role, what God has called you to, awaiting for Him to give 'the word' will ensure you are entering into the things He has for you rather than whatever you think you can just get on with and do. Ultimately, God wants to see His people glad and 'jubilant with joy', are you allowing yourself to be glad and joyful by stepping into the things God wants you to be in and stepping away from the things He doesn't? For the, 'chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands'. How big is your army?!

The Lord is your banner

 Psalm 60:1–12 (ESV):  

1  O God, you have rejected us, broken our defences; 

you have been angry; oh, restore us. 

2  You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; 

repair its breaches, for it totters. 

3  You have made your people see hard things; 

you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 

4  You have set up a banner for those who fear you, 

that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 

5  That your beloved ones may be delivered, 

give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 

6  God has spoken in his holiness: 

“With exultation I will divide up Shechem 

and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 

7  Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; 

Ephraim is my helmet; 

Judah is my sceptre. 

8  Moab is my washbasin; 

upon Edom I cast my shoe; 

over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 

9  Who will bring me to the fortified city? 

Who will lead me to Edom? 

10  Have you not rejected us, O God? 

You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 

11  Oh, grant us help against the foe, 

for vain is the salvation of man! 

12  With God we shall do valiantly; 

it is he who will tread down our foes. 

Often when we read of David in battle, we hear of the victory that comes. Yet it was not always so, as we can surmise from this psalm. Here David tells us how their defences were broken, the people have seen ‘hard things’ and are staggering to safety (v4). They need delivering as they are being beaten and having to retreat. It feels as if, ‘you do not go forth with us, O God’. So instead of running in triumph, celebrating victory, the Israelite army is having to run, in fear, to the ‘banner’ (v4) - A symbol of retreat. The banner was at the rear of the army, a visual representation of who you belonged to. Especially important in war as you could easily get disorientated. It was important to be able to see where you needed to go to re-join your team if you got lost, injured, or needed rest. For Israel, their banner also reminded them that God was with them (Exodus 17:15, 'The Lord is my banner'). The banner therefore represented for David and his army that God is the Commander of the battle, their protector, guide, refuge and safety, a fortress they can run to. A place of retreat where they can be reminded that God is present and so they can be comforted, restored and re-engaged. In this battle, they needed that. They were fighting and felt like they were losing, so they had to run for safety and restoration. 

Sometimes, in life, you need to retreat to the ‘banner’ too. You need to reming yourself that the Lord is your banner, just as He was Israel's. God is your refuge, retreat, safety, fortress and restoration. In life, you will get tired, hurt, and feel lost. God is waiting for you to run to Him. He can remind you that He is the commander, refuge, safety, protractor, guide and healer. He will refresh you and re-equip you for the battles you face, are you running to Him? God is waiting for you. 

Battles are never won by an individual, so you cannot do it alone. You do not need to, and should not be trying to. If you are a member of His army, and you are leading your life following Him then you are on His team, and He is your banner. You do not have the vision, strength or the level of strategic planning required to even navigate the battles that are coming but God does. He has the might, understanding and plan to get you through and to bring about His promises. Are you running to Him to hear what He has to say so that He can guide you to where you need to go?

When you seem to be losing, battling, struggling, feeling like you need to refresh, rest or retreat, what do you do? You should be running to God, your banner. You need to rest and re-evaluate sometimes. Make sure that when you do you’re not sitting by yourself doing it, trying to fix things and navigate battles alone, but that you are under God’s banner. Going it alone causes anxiety, stress, worthlessness and worry. Sitting with God however creates vision, peace, strength, restoration, healing, power and brings, ‘great salvation’.

As David sat and reflected under the banner as he wrote this psalm, he felt as if God had rejected and abandoned him and the Israelite army. He was wondering who was leading this battle? If God isn’t in it, should they be? Yet he and the army are fighting for their lives, their families freedom and the nation of Israel, surely that's a good thing? They are under pressure, frantically caught in the fight that they are losing. Yet they are God’s people, His army, trying to do God’s will. How can this be the situation? How can they be defeated? David came to God in his disappointment and confusion when it seemed like they were losing the battle. It seemed that David was failing in the mission even though he was trying to honour God and do His will. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes we feel that the battles and missions we are on are failing even though we know God has us on this path. I know that I have struggled with knowing God has sent me to do things and then it seems like life has become a battle. As a family we have experienced emotional turmoil and physical hardship, we have suffered, dangers have come and unexpected battles have needed to be faced. So where is God when these things happen? Does it mean that we have messed up and got the call of God wrong? Has God disappeared or withdrawn? No! It means that we need to continually run to God, our banner to sustain us in every way. When life looks bleak, disappointing and like a losing battle shift your gaze and look for the banner then run to it! For God is there and He is ready and waiting for you. In the battle, God is present - look for Him. He can envision and equip, restore and heal you if you go to Him.

Do you know the game, capture the flag? Each team tries to take the other's banner down, then they have won. When you are on God's team and He is your banner, then guess what?! You are never going to lose! His banner has been flying for eternity and will continue to stand in victory, so when the battle comes ensure that you run to Him for He will not let you down. You are on the winning team, so run to His banner for strength, refreshment and re-envisioning, with God as your banner what have you got to fear or lose? 

David knew he was on God's team, yet things got really desperate and difficult for him, so he ran to God as his banner and was upfront and honest with Him. He was wondering where God was, for wherever he looked, he didn’t see Him. He saw hard things, staggering, quaking land, torn kingdom and broken defences (v1-3), a far cry from victory. So, David says;

“You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 

11  Oh, grant us help against the foe, 

for vain is the salvation of man! 

12  With God we shall do valiantly; 

it is he who will tread down our foes.” (V10-12)

David tells God his experience, and wonders, God, where are you? For David cannot see God at work right now, only the enemies work, and it seems like the other side is winning. Yet, he still knows that if God turns up, ‘we shall do valiantly’ and there will be ‘salvation’. David's trust in God was steadfast. He knew that following God wasn't easy, that living a life of faith is hard and that sometimes God seems distant or even absent, but that doesn't mean He is. It just means that he lost sight of God and so needed to search for the banner. For the banner still stands and will stand. So when you know you are doing the things God wants you to, don’t be surprised if life gets hard and becomes a battle. It is an opportunity to run to God, seek and see His salvation and remind yourself whose banner you are fighting under.

David’s experience was so shattering because not only was he being personally attacked and having to wearily keep on going for survival, but good people, fellow warriors and friends were dying. That is what happens in war. There is loss, distress, fear, confusion, pain, suffering and sometimes, defeat. That is why there is a banner available for you to run to. It is not giving up or turning back, but running to God for rest, refuge and restoration. Run to God and implore Him to show up and do the work, for great is His salvation. Remind yourself that you are on God's team, and that He fights so that His, ‘beloved ones may be delivered'. He will sustain and help you. Even if you feel defeated, it doesn’t mean that you have lost. David was still king even when he was fighting a losing battle. Nothing can change the promises of God so keep your eyes on Him as your banner.

Where do you go with your internal battles?

 Psalm 55:1–23 (ESV):  

1  Give ear to my prayer, O God, 

and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! 

2  Attend to me, and answer me; 

I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 

3  because of the noise of the enemy, 

because of the oppression of the wicked. 

For they drop trouble upon me, 

and in anger they bear a grudge against me. 

4  My heart is in anguish within me; 

the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 

5  Fear and trembling come upon me, 

and horror overwhelms me. 

6  And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! 

I would fly away and be at rest; 

7  yes, I would wander far away; 

I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 

8  I would hurry to find a shelter 

from the raging wind and tempest.” 

9  Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; 

for I see violence and strife in the city. 

10  Day and night they go around it 

on its walls, 

and iniquity and trouble are within it; 

11  ruin is in its midst; 

oppression and fraud 

do not depart from its marketplace. 

12  For it is not an enemy who taunts me— 

then I could bear it; 

it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— 

then I could hide from him. 

13  But it is you, a man, my equal, 

my companion, my familiar friend. 

14  We used to take sweet counsel together; 

within God’s house we walked in the throng. 

15  Let death steal over them; 

let them go down to Sheol alive; 

for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. 

16  But I call to God, 

and the Lord will save me. 

17  Evening and morning and at noon 

I utter my complaint and moan, 

and he hears my voice. 

18  He redeems my soul in safety 

from the battle that I wage, 

for many are arrayed against me. 

19  God will give ear and humble them, 

he who is enthroned from of old, Selah 

because they do not change 

and do not fear God. 

20  My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; 

he violated his covenant. 

21  His speech was smooth as butter, 

yet war was in his heart; 

his words were softer than oil, 

yet they were drawn swords. 

22  Cast your burden on the Lord, 

and he will sustain you; 

he will never permit 

the righteous to be moved. 

23  But you, O God, will cast them down 

into the pit of destruction; 

men of blood and treachery 

shall not live out half their days. 

But I will trust in you. 

David has not only experienced physical battles, but also the inner turmoil of the soul. This psalm explains a situation where he was emotionally and mentally strained by the betrayal of, ‘my equal, my companion, my familiar friend’. David was battling with the pain and despair of a broken relationship and the disappointment, chaos, life change and mental strife that this caused. Have you ever experienced such heartache and mental anguish? 

Most of us have. The thing is, this battle that we face is not usually obvious because it’s predominantly internal. Our emotions and mind replay events, conversations and memories, and these can lead to; confusion, anger and sadness all raging inside. It is a furious internal war, yet not many others would be aware of it. In a physical war it is obvious - you see the damage and physical discomfort, but an internal battle is often hidden even though there is also extensive damage and pain. The internal battles that we face are tougher and more wearing than any external ones and we cannot escape them. 

David says, ‘I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 3  because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked.’ He hears the sound of the disappointment, the grief and pain, the ‘noise of the enemy’ clanging around inside him as the memories and recent events replay. The noise of the internal processing of the betrayal and the personal turmoil that has been caused is louder than any trumpet blast or roar of a crowd. David doesn’t deny it or downplay it, instead he admits the difficulty he is having trying to get his head round what has happened. You don’t have to try to explain, minimise or hide from the internal anguish you suffer either. The internal battles are difficult as they are often unknown to others and rage constantly, day and night, with no rest. David was experiencing this as he wrote Psalm 55. He accepts that he is; restless, oppressed, in trouble, feeling terrified and in anguish. If you feel that way today, or have ever felt like that, know that it is ok. It is alright to feel disappointed, hurt, afraid at times, restless and concerned, and it is ok to admit it too. Even as a person of God, even as a friend, parent, manager or colleague, it is ok. It is usual for people to suffer with their thoughts, you are not alone. David was troubled with a hurt heart and mental anguish and he was a loved and respected king, father, husband and a faithful man of God. Yet here we are thousands of years later reading about and relating to his internal pain. He was not ashamed to admit how frustrated, disappointed and upset he was about things. He was open and honest about it. He told God exactly what was going on for him, how he felt, how troubled he was, and that he expected God to do something about it! 

You see, although David knew he was suffering, he did not choose to dwell in the despair and disappointment. He did not want to stay feeling like this, and he knew where his help and comfort would come from. He had a strong, personal relationship with Almighty God, so he told God about what was going on in his life. He let God know how he felt, even the worst bits such as wishing his enemy dead and wanting to permanently escape (v7 and 15). David was not ashamed to be really honest about his emotions, even admitting when he was in deep despair and inner turmoil. Are you that honest? With yourself and with God?

I cannot imagine that this psalm was spoken clearly and calmly, can you? I imagine it to have been a passionate outpouring of tears, anger and sobs, releasing some of the hurt and disappointment as the words spilled out. David was overwhelmed, hurt and disappointed as he goes to the God - the One he can trust with it all, and the One that can help, strengthen and comfort. David admits he wants to escape this torment, yet he knows that even going to a different place will not change the internal discomfort. For it is his heart that ‘is in anguish’ and no matter where he goes he cannot escape his own heart or memories, so he knows he has to deal with it. Therefore, David’s response is to ‘call to God’. No-one else can help him, restore his soul, bind up his broken heart or breakthrough this trouble. So he goes to the One he knows can influence any and every heart and situation for, ‘the Lord will save me’. David knows that although he feels overcome and like he wants to get away from it all, God, ‘redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage’. Both the physical and internal battles God can help with. He is the one who can inspire, strengthen and give your soul refuge (v1). He is the one that can bring you; relief, provision, strength and redemption. Are you allowing God to it? 

Do you go to God with your struggles? Are you really real about how you are doing when you speak to Him?

When you feel overwhelmed and overcome by circumstances and experience internal strife, you can, ‘cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you’. Yet God can only help you as much as you let Him. David wanted God’s help in every area of his life, even the messy bits. Are you allowing God to see and have influence in every area of your life? Will you allow Him to see and heal the internal anguish? God will hear and help you if you go to Him, then like David you too will be able to say, ‘in you my soul takes refuge’.

Do not let situations dictate your faith, but let your faith dictate how you handle any situation!

 Psalm 43:1–5 (ESV): 

1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause 

against an ungodly people, 

from the deceitful and unjust man 

deliver me! 

2  For you are the God in whom I take refuge; 

why have you rejected me? 

Why do I go about mourning 

because of the oppression of the enemy? 

3  Send out your light and your truth; 

let them lead me; 

let them bring me to your holy hill 

and to your dwelling! 

4  Then I will go to the altar of God, 

to God my exceeding joy, 

and I will praise you with the lyre, 

O God, my God. 

5  Why are you cast down, O my soul, 

and why are you in turmoil within me? 

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, 

my salvation and my God. 

This psalm is rather similar to the previous one and ends with exactly the same verse therefore it is reasonable to assume that they have the same author, most probably David. As both of these psalms also reference sorrow, harassment and a desire to be in God’s presence it makes sense for them both to be attributed to the same circumstances and author.

As mentioned, this psalmist is suffering. Due to this they have considered their predicament, evaluating his own heart and actions in the process and wondered if he has erred or sinned.  After examining himself, he clearly finds nothing deserving of discipline or punishment and so his first words of this psalm are 'vindicate me'. Only someone who is innocent can be vindicated as this word means to prove righteousness, and so the author must have reason to be assured of their integrity and innocence. Yet what this person is experiencing right now seems punishment. Have you ever encountered a time when you have felt unfairly treated? Or when you are punished for something you haven't done? It is easy in those times to fight back and become adamant and indignant in your self-righteousness, and who can blame you? It is unjust and unfair. However this writer, although he knows he does not deserve this discomfort and pain, he calls upon God to support and clear his name. He does not blame God or take matters into his own hands, but trusts and relies on God to, 'defend my cause'. This in itself must have been painful! To not retaliate, to not fight his own corner, the internal conflict is real. Instead this psalmist has considered and concluded that this battle is not his, but God's. As a man of God who has done his best to live right, he calls upon God to vindicate and rescue him. The author knows that God can work out things better than he can. They know God can give; vindication, refuge, rescue, restoration, joy, truth, guidance, hope and salvation. What could they do that would offer a better result?! When you are caught in a battle, or in a situation in which you are an innocent suffering party, assess your own actions first, then know and trust can and will vindicate and defend you too. If you need; refuge, rescue, salvation, joy, truth, guidance and hope, you can call upon and trust in Him to redeem the situation in a way that cannot be achieved any other way, and it is worth waiting for. 

It is horrible to have to go through and endure these things, this psalmist understands, and seems to be reminding himself that he is alright with God and can rely on him even when he is surrounded by difficulty, feels stuck and ‘cast down’. Have you ever felt like that? If so, then you, like this writer, probably need to remind yourself of the truth of who God is and what He can do.

Difficult times can cloud over your heart and mind and cause you to start to believe in the lies and disaster around you rather than continuing to hope in God. Once you start to remember the truth of who you are and who God is as well as what you can expect from Him - you have already won! Changing your mindset is half the battle. This psalmist has begun to walk in victory already by trusting in the character and nature of God. You have the opportunity to do the same when you meet trials. When circumstances can no longer dictate your mental or emotional state. and you learn to depend on and honour God no matter what, you are victorious! You are just waiting for the final triumph and vindication to come, for restoration to arrive and light and truth to reveal the reality. You are already victorious and vindicated so you can live with that mindset even as suffer. During the tough times continue to praise and honour God. Be inspired to hope when everything feels oppressive, disastrous and difficult. Remember who you are to God, and who He is and what He has done already. 

You have God on your side even if everyone else around you abandons you or turns against you. You can, along with David encourage yourself to, ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God’. Do not let situations dictate your faith, but let your faith dictate how you handle any situation!

Battles and Victories

Psalms 20 and 21 are linked in their structure and content, with psalm 20 being a call for God’s help for the king, and psalm 21 a response of gratitude for the victory God has granted him. Both psalms have similar styles and even phrases, but the intent of each is different. Psalm 20 was a song prayed over the king by the nation asking God to provide and succeed on his behalf, and psalm 21 although also a national response, is one of gratitude and worship to God. Having these psalms back to back highlights their similarities and the importance of prayer, both personal and corporate, whatever the circumstances. One was written for a time of preparation for difficulty and battle, and the next for the time of success that followed. It shows that it is important to pray both when things are tough, and times of success as it reminds us who really is in charge. It is also important to encourage one another in prayer and worship as these psalms inspire the king and the nation with the goodness and trustworthiness of God.

Psalm 21:1–13 (ESV):  

1  O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices, 

and in your salvation how greatly he exults! 

2  You have given him his heart’s desire 

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah 

3  For you meet him with rich blessings; 

you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. 

4  He asked life of you; you gave it to him, 

length of days forever and ever. 

5  His glory is great through your salvation; 

splendour and majesty you bestow on him. 

6  For you make him most blessed forever; 

you make him glad with the joy of your presence. 

7  For the king trusts in the Lord, 

and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. 

8  Your hand will find out all your enemies; 

your right hand will find out those who hate you. 

9  You will make them as a blazing oven 

when you appear. 

The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, 

and fire will consume them. 

10  You will destroy their descendants from the earth, 

and their offspring from among the children of man. 

11  Though they plan evil against you, 

though they devise mischief, they will not succeed. 

12  For you will put them to flight; 

you will aim at their faces with your bows. 

13  Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! 

We will sing and praise your power. 

David is likely to be the king referred to in this psalm. If it is him, we know was not a private individual as he was open and honest about his emotions - we see this through the psalms and through the recorded history of his life in the Bible. He exuberantly praises God without hindrance, he mourns and implores God to intervene in prayer and fasting - he is a passionate man who is not afraid to express his emotions or call upon God. So it is no surprise that this psalm sung by the nation tells us, ‘the king rejoices’, ‘how greatly he exults’! The king is not afraid to show his happiness, to exuberantly and abundantly praise God because of God’s goodness, protection, love, blessings and presence. Can you imagine how he would have responded after a battle victory and a song such as this? 

How do you respond when God has overcome for you? David and the whole nation have seen how God has had His hand in every victory. They acknowledge the kings joyous response and the answer to their previous prayer and song (psalm 20). It is with excitement that psalm 21 is written, an overflow of prayer and praise to the God that will overcome and destroy every enemy of the people of God! Does this not inspire you to pray and sing to God?! I wonder if this will inspire you to get to the next prayer meeting or next time of corporate worship. Powerful breakthroughs occur when God’s people come to Him in prayer and worship - are you getting caught up in that excitement? It is ok and actually good to allow yourself an emotional response to situations. You are allowed to cry, smile, laugh, dance and sing with feeling as you accept what God has done in your life. This psalm was written because the people of Israel and their king were excited and grateful for what God had done. There would probably have been music and dancing, tears and laughter as this psalm was sung - do you respond to God's influence in your life in joyous gratitude or is your response muted? The reason that Israel were so excited was because they realised that God had done several specific things that they had asked for and so they express their gratitude (V1-6):

God’s strength has brought victory

He answered prayer

Blessings have been received 

God preserved life

Glory, splendour and majesty have been given to their king

God’s presence is known

Of the above list, I am sure that you have experienced at least a few of these. When you have, what has been your response? Have your experiences inspired you to worship God and acknowledge His goodness amongst others or has your thankfulness been dulled? The nation of Israel did not keep quiet about what they had seen of God’s victories, they shouted, cried, danced and sang about it. This time they even responded by writing and singing this psalm together in recognition and gratitude to God. Do you allow your gratitude to overflow like David and the nation of Israel? It is not mature to deny emotions or fail to express them although it may be more socially acceptable. God did not design robots. He made humans. Humans with minds, hearts and emotions and He expects you to worship Him, 'with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength' (Mark 12:30-31). Do you? Do you get caught up in the excitement of what God has got you through in order to encourage and inspire others in their faith? Why would others want to follow God unless they see He has a very real, tangible impact in your life that is genuinely expressed through the battles and successes?

As a result of the battles Israel faced and overcame due to their trust in God alone, they say with full confidence, 'through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved’! You can have a story, a testimony and an assurance like that too! Remember what God has already done and so trust Him in every circumstance. Don’t forget to invite God into all of your current and future battles and successes, as when you do, you will know and experience the presence of God and his never-ending, enduring love. You will see greater victories than you already have. What a privilege to live a life like that! Secure in the knowledge that although battles will come, victories will follow when you depend upon God. Why not take some time to day to remember in prayer and praise God's victories in your life and think about how you share this with others to encourage them through their battles into victory.

Facing Challenges

 I am not quite sure what happens between the end of chapter 4 and the start of chapter 5 in Daniel, but it does seem that we jump a number of years. It feels like the Nebuchadnezzar story ends abruptly. We do not hear about the rest of his reign, or about his successor. The narrative just ceases.

As we arrive at chapter 5 we realise that we have been fast-forwarded to the end of the Babylonian empire - the last evening in fact - of the last king of Babylon. So, clearly a significant number of years have passed after the last full stop. It is estimated that this happened about 70 years after Daniel and the other jewish captives were exiled to Babylon. We pick up the story in chapter 5, the very end of this epic empire that has reigned for so many years, conquered so many nations, and now itself is waiting to be conquered;

King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand. 

*2*Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. *3*Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. *4*They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. 

Daniel 5:1–4.

Now this sounds like a night to remember, a party of parties doesn’t it? The king has over a thousand people celebrating, eating and drinking. They are getting carried away with themselves - using the holy vessels for unholy tasks. Not that Belshazzar thinks there’s anything significant about these items. He is just having a great big party at his place in Babylon……..at the same time that the city was under siege. 

Don’t you find that crazy?

The city of Babylon is under siege and has been for some time, and what is the king doing? Hosting a lavish party!

Not fighting. Not protecting his kingdom. Not leading the army but eating, drinking, celebrating.

The king is having a big celebration when there’s a battle raging outside the walls of the city. Capture is imminent and he is hosting a bounteous banquet. I wonder if he invited so many people just to drown out the sound at the attacking enemy.

Perhaps the king realised the futility of fighting. Or maybe he felt secure behind the walls, or he might just have been ignoring the fact that there was a real problem that needs dealing with and he was ‘burying his head in the sand’. Whatever the thought process behind it, it is not how we would expect a king to respond. Belshazzar shows no regard for the wider state of affairs, he is only concerned about what he is experiencing right now, so he is levelling up the ‘fun’ factor at his party. He has put aside the wider, national issues to immerse himself in celebration. 

We can look at this situation and shake our heads, or even feel aghast at Belshazzar’s response, but don’t we sometimes do the same? 

Do you ever feel like something is too big or scary to handle? Do you sometimes want to escape the battles of life and have a bit of fun?

It is not a shameful thing to admit that you feel like that - everyone gets fed up sometimes, but don’t forget the revelation of chapter 4 - that there is a Most High God that intervenes in lives, who is right and just. If you live our life with Him at the centre, and focusing on Him throughout challenges then you’ll make it through. Trust in God and take responsibility. You may not be a king, leading a nation, but you are responsible for leading your own life. You will make mistakes, you will face challenges -  are you facing up to them? 

suffering temptation

‘For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted’
Hebrews 2:18.

Do you often consider that Jesus suffered?
Do you know that eventhough Jesus did not sin, he still underwent the same temptations as us?
The only time we really consider Jesus suffering is when he entered the last days of his Earthly life as he was; beaten, betrayed and crucified.
Yet, if Jesus was a regular human being, don’t you think he suffered in his daily life, like you? Isn’t there more suffering involved in life than death?

The verse above indicates that Jesus underwent the same everyday challenges and temptations that we do. Jesus had a normal human life. He experienced the life of a frustrated toddler, an inquisitive infant, and the terrifying teens! He knows the temptations of each of these stages of life. Jesus was an average Jewish boy, who lived with his parents, in a community, who learnt, played, worked and grew. He had to handle the same difficulties with people and self-control that we do. Jesus had to grow up in this world too. He had to deal with the emotions, hormones, peer pressure, frustrations and misunderstandngs that this life involves. The normal growing up process applied to Jesus. He had similar thoughts and persuasions to do the wrong thing. Jesus also had to overcome the battle in his mind as we do. The temptation to be selfish, popular and fulfilled existed for Jesus too. He was a normal human being. Therefore he had to deal with all the trials, testosterone, and temptations that brings!

This should give us comfort and hope.

Jesus does truly understand our troubles. He knows the power of the devil, who comes along uninvited and often in our weakest moments, to tempt us to sin or forget who we really are. Jesus knows the very real battle we have within ourselves to do what we want verses what God wants. He knows the persuasion to get up to things when no-one is looking or could ever find out. He battled temptation too - the verse above tells us that. Jesus suffered temptation. It was not easy for him either, he struggled with it just like we do. Jesus understands the very real internal war we have each day for:

‘We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’.
Hebrews 4:15

Jesus can understand and come alongside us in our temptation and troubles because he has gone through the same mental battles, yet, he fought temptation and he was victorious every time. Jesus lived the everyday fight for purity, he battled against his own desires and the torments of the devil just like we do, and he won. He knows what it’s like. He understands the mental anguish, heart-felt prayers, battle of the heart and mind to do what is right. He suffered the agony of denying self to accept God. That’s why we can trust him to help us out.

We don’t have to be embarrassed by our troubles, no matter how secret we have kept them. Jesus knows the torture of the tempted mind. He has lived it too, and he has overcome, so we can trust him with our troubles, our fraught mental processes and anguished hearts. We can know that we have a brother who can lead us out because he lived free from the sin that we can so easily entangle ourselves in. Jesus can relate because he engaged in the same battle ‘in every respect’. He knows the reality of the human temptation. He knows the level of mental strife. He knows the power and pull of temptation. That is why we can confidently approach him with it all. Jesus acknowledges our suffering, he has also lived it and he has a story of victory to share. Today you can, ‘receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ because Jesus has been there. He can sympathise and give you the power to change. The question is - do you want to?