My loving kindness, my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me. LORD, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him? Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away.
–Psalm 144:2-4
The strongest soldiers understand their limitations.
They may be well-trained, aggressive, able to stand up when opposed, but they won’t enter into great danger without sufficient backup. The Hollywood image of the lone warrior taking on an entire army by himself is just that — fiction. It’s only the foolish who assume they’re strong enough to overcome overwhelming odds alone.
King David was among history’s greatest warriors, but here he responds in adoration to God’s rescue. He understood not only that he could not win any battle alone, regardless of whether the battle was a physical conflict or the conflict of sin in his heart, but also that the battles he fought were never his or his enemies’ — they were the Lord’s.
We may be tempted to play the hero when taking on life’s challenges. But when it comes to God, none of us is more powerful than a helpless child. We may have some strength and weapons for the fight, but no battle can be truly won without our Great Fortress, our High Tower, our Deliverer, our Shield.
Embrace the wonder that God loves us so much to save us. Celebrate God for the hero He truly is.
Prayer
Dear Savior, You are everything. I am nothing. I am continually amazed that You care for me. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your saving grace, and Your providence. I lean on You for the strength and courage to get me through the day. I love You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What are some battles I have tried to fight on my own. What was the result? In what ways could I have allowed God to fight those battles for me?