6 Truths Learned During the Intensity of Battle

Battles rage for the Christian. Daily.

Sometimes they begin silently while others times they strike with swift, brutal force. At one glimpse of our adversary, that roaring lion with jaws posed for devouring, a question seizes us: Will we be destroyed at the last?

A barrage of fiery darts launch in return:

Temptations. Fears. Doubts. Lies.

Fumbling for weapons, we feel the panic of unpreparedness seeping and searing through our mind, impeding our reflexes.

Sound similar to fierce struggles you may have faced? Don’t worry, friend. I’ve been there too. When circumstances hit us hard, our natural impulse is to freeze, but here are six truths from God’s Word I’ve learned throughout the intensity of battle that have brought such comfort, rest, and even joy…

 

[1.] We never have to cower in fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

The Captain of our Salvation gives us courage. He is truly glorious; in Him, we find a sure, steadfast triumph.  Once we take up the shield of faith, believing in who He is, threats will be evaporated, scathing darts will be doused, and dark lies will be pierced dead by the marvelous truth contained in the Word of God. All falls powerless against the all-powerful God. (Rom 14.:11).

 

[2.] There is refuge in His Name.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

Take shelter. Earnestly calling on His Name is running to His High Tower. The Name of Jesus is exalted above all other in heaven and earth. We are free to ignore the taunts of our defeated enemy and rejoice and trust and rest in who God is. The shadow of His wings shields us (Psalm 91:4).

 

[3.] Raw dependency on Jesus’ strength is essential.

If we examine our lives through the lens of searching honesty, we will find our own strength to be thoroughly depleted and insufficient. Our natural stance of ability brakes to bits of brittle inability at the first blow of the enemy. We will become trampled bloody, scarred if we lean on ourselves or shoulder burdens that don’t belong to us.

    Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:4

During the height of raging battles, we must practice a raw dependency on Jesus because it yields rest. His mighty strength sustains us throughout the war and never wanes once.
Let’s sit at the feet of Jesus and give Him our burdens and cares.

 

[4.] No attack of the enemy happens without permission from God.

For He is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 1:17

God orchestrates every moment of life. He is in sovereign control of every detail.
For several weeks, our church studied the book of Ezra. One phrase that continually surfaced in his prayers was a rooted rejoicing in “the good hand of God.” In His infinite wisdom, the Lord of all the earth who is before all things and by Him all things consist orchestrates the entire events upon earth. It reminds me of these lyrics…

6 What God ordains is always good:
This truth remains unshaken.
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
I shall not be forsaken.
I fear no harm,
For with His arm
He shall embrace and shield me;
So to my God I yield me.

 {lyrics via}

 

[5.] Worship of God brings a mind quieted by His peace.

This is a sure strategy to cause fear to flee because worship ushers you into the courts of the Lord.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

It is a way of embracing His perfect love; being held by His perfect love. Let the high praises of God be poured from your lips. Open to Psalms or Ephesians 2 or Colossians 1, and begin praising God for His great goodness. Praise Him for who He is, what He has done, what He will do. Focus on His attribute of holiness. Peace always comes in the end.

 

[6.] Battles are a blessing.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:1-4

 

Trials are designed to complete us to draw us ever-so-closely to the Lord. They are the means to teach us deep, soul-satisfying truths about Him that we wouldn’t be able to learn while life is easy, carefree. Sure, it is a blessing when we have times of fun and enjoyment–a lapse in time before trials come or after they have gone.

But, it is crucial to be able to rejoice in all circumstances, even when we are feebly hanging on; and when we don’t know at what point it will ever end. The fire of battle cannot touch us, it is only meant to purge and purify. So we can come forth as gold.

But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

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So, the next time a struggle comes, we can be better prepared. Together, let’s cling to these promises and claim victory in Christ!

I’m linking up with Holley Gerth today. Be sure to check out her blog for some beautiful encouragement.

*Please note: All scripture verses taken from Blueletter Bible.