The Great War

There are somedays that I wake up and feel amazing; others when I wake up and feel lost and confused. Especially on those hard days I find myself fighting to get to this place where I feel "better," whatever that means. Today was definitely one of the difficult days and I've been reflecting all morning on why my days can't be more consistently filled with joy and hope. The conclusion that I reached on my way home from church is that it is because I am in a war, a spiritual battle. Reading through the Psalms, David and others constantly cry out to God to save them from their enemies, to turn and deliver them. I have never been a soldier, let alone in battle. But I imagine that even in the midst of winning the battle, there are still days when soldiers are tired, sore, bitter, lonely, get wounded or even killed. Their emotions or experiences don't actually change the fact that they are winning - they are indicative of the fact that they are involved in the war. In the midst of these overwhelming burdens, the call for me is to persever, to move forward in the task that is at hand and trust that my God can take care of me no matter how I feel.

Father, set my sights on you, elevate my gaze above myself that I can see the true vision of what is. I am short-sighted and forgetful. In your graciousness, remind me that you are faithful, remind me in my heart the promise you spoke:

Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name and you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel."

And yes Father, I pray that you would deliver me from the stranglehold of death that attempts to disrupt this day. I desperately need you to rescue me from the mouth of the lion, for I am powerless on my own. Amen.