Psalm 20

War Prayer

This is the prayer of the people for their king as he prepared for battle.
Likewise, it applies to us today, as we prepare for daily spiritual warfare.

It begins with prayer......for God's help and protection in time of trouble.
I love how the NKJ version reads in verse 1...."May the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;...."
I think of the names of God in Scripture......primarily "I AM".    Israel knew this name.....they had the stories of Moses handed down to them.  When God gave his name to Moses from the burning bush, it was simply, "I AM".  No beginning,  no end.  No points of reference regarding where He was from or where He lived, or who he came from.   He is.   Period.  Just that ought to throw us on our knees before Him!

We fight the wars of life best when He is our defender.   On our own, we fail.  Sin rears its ugly head in all we do.....even when we try to do good.   It bodes well with us to begin each day with a prayer for God's help and direction for every situation.  I haven't prayed yet that the 'Name of the God of Jacob' would protect and help me......but maybe I'l have to go there........

We ask Him to remember our obedience   (offerings and sacrifices), and reward us with victory over our enemies.

And we ask Him to grant our heart's desire, and fulfill our purpose.   What, though, is our desire and purpose?  This requires much thought, I think, in our society where self is so promoted. Is my desire self-seeking and prideful?    Is it about me?   Or, is it Kingdom minded.....and about bringing glory to God?  To become more Christlike?
Our desire is to conquer our enemies......sin, depression, anxiety, anger, thoughts about things God hasn't ordained for us, bitterness, malice, ........you name it.  

The more we seek Him and delight in His Word (remember Psalm 19.....His Word is sweet like honey and more desirable than much fine gold?) the more we know Him and our desires will line up with His own.
And the more we spend time at His feet in prayer and again in His word, the more aware of our enemies we become.  But all is not lost.....because we have a Helper, Redeemer, and Friend.

Bottom line in living in victory over the enemy and winning the battle?

Trust.   Trust in the only One that can save.  Trust in the name, the I AM.     Our own devices, whether the might of a nation, or the strength of our character, or our significant other base of support......all of these will fail and fall.  But those whose trust is in the great  I AM   will stand upright  (Remember Psalm One......about who will STAND and who will fall?)

Today, we don't offer burn offering and sacrifices, but indeed we are called to be a living sacrifice (Romans)
In order to do this we must call upon the Lord for help.  

I am reminded again of how I lack in praying specifically for help in every battle.   I am learning.....and I am growing.....and I am getting better at it.  But I still fall short of the mark.   Father help me to recognize not only the enemy, but my weakness in fighting it.  Be my Help in every situation, and help me win the battle by Your strength and might, for Your glory. Help me to not become lax in fighting because I am weary, or just turning a blind eye to sin because I enjoy the temporary benefits of it.  Make me miserable until I run to You for help!