How Do You Fight Your Battles?
Do you bear any bruises and scars from battles that you may have been in lately-- maybe in the political arena or even in your home or workplace? On Sunday, I encountered a very well trained cashier at a store who was courteous, friendly, and even gave me a $10-off coupon off my purchase. Afterward, she said, “The only thing I ask of you is to pray for me. Just pray for my children to get along. That's all I need” And, I did. I am still praying for her children as I type this post. Her request grabbed my attention because I had just been in church and a lady there asked me to pray for her family to get along. And God must be saying "Oh, that my children would get along!"
When I heard those requests, it made me realize – battles are raging all around us on a daily basis -- the political world, family, marital, relational and financial issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, sickness, death, hopelessness, rejection, stress, loneliness, disappointment, etc. And the list goes on. Did I hit on one of the battles you may be facing today?
I met with a dear husband and wife last week who were weary and battle-worn. I sensed they needed a pick-me-up. Earlier in the day I was singing a song over and over again called, “Surrounded -- This is How I Fight my Battles“. It’s a stirring new worship anthem written by Elyssa Smith from the Dallas-based group, Upper Room. It has been playing in my head for weeks at random moments in my day. I played it for my friends from my iPhone. I could sense the heaviness in their hearts was lifted. Some of the words are: "This is how I fight my battles; It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by You."
After we listened to the song, I read from 2nd Chronicles 20 where enemy forces were fast approaching Judah who was no match for the invaders. King Jehoshaphat called for prayer and fasting. Then Jahaziel, a young priest, prophesied with a loud voice, "The Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's! You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you!" It was decided that singers should lead the troops into battle. Can you imagine? Those singers were the barrier between the enemies and the army of Judah! That daring step of faith showed that they believed God would fight for them. Jehoshaphat instructed the singers as they took their position. "Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever." They were thanking God in advance for the victory He had promised the day before. No sooner had they begun to sing and praise that God caused the enemy forces to fight and destroy each other. When the army of Judah overlooked the battlefield, they saw only dead bodies on the ground. No one had escaped.
What an amazing testimony to the power of faith, prayer, and praise--and that same power is available to us today. Praise is the voice of faith. You may feel “surrounded” today. You may feel like the enemy and his forces are pressing in on you and are about to overtake you. Everywhere you turn, you see the worst possible set-up by the enemy. You think there is no way out, no way around and no way through. Oh, but do not be dismayed or disheartened. When it looks like you’re surrounded, remind the enemy how you fight your battles – not with a sword or spear or fear or worry – remind him that you are surrounded by the Lord God of hosts by praising and worshiping Him. Praise Him on the battlefront lines and when you do, God goes before you, fight and wins the battle for you..
Praise is the voice of faith. If we really believe God has heard our prayers, we will start praising Him for the answer, even before we see it. When we're tempted to get down and discouraged, let's remember to fight our battles with praise and thanksgiving!
“This is how I fight my battles”…..lyrics and song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWmjpF613y4
