Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 5
They cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. (1 Chronicles 5.20)
Devotional Thought: "The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war..." (1 Chronicles 5.18). These military men were ideal warriors. They were courageous, not shrinking from battle. They were well-equipped, carrying shield, sword, and bow into battle. They were experts in the battle tactics. If we want to be spiritual winners, we need to learn something from these warriors.
Those ancient men waged war (v. 19). They did not wait for the battle to come to them. They were like King David who ran to face Goliath. We need to be valiant, too. We cannot shrink from the battle. God cannot bless the warrior who is not on the battle field!
Those men were properly equipped. We, too, need to put on our spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (Ephesians 6). If we neglect our armament, we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy and ineffective in the service of God.
Those men prepared. Experts in battle, they had studied strategy and tactics. They had drilled and drilled and drilled. We, too, need to present ourselves "to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
But all of that is not why they won. They won because "they cried out to God in the battle." Yes, we need to be prepared, but we must not trust in our preparations alone. As the Psalmist said, " Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20.7). When we trust in God, he will grant our urgent pleas for victory!
Prayer: Lord, I want to be the best that I can be - to be proactive, properly-equipped, and prepared. But I know that if I want to prevail in battle what I really need is you. Help me to be a person of prayer and faith. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 31.19-24
19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!
20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.
22 I had said in my alarm, "I am cut off from your sight." But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.
23 Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!
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