Offense and Defense

 In the 70s, we sang scriptures. Anyone who could play an instrument seemed to be able to put music to a verse or two or even a phrase or two. It turned out to be very beneficial for helping memorize scriptures! Lol. This morning, as I was reading, I found a well-sung verse in Psalm 149. In verse 6, the psalmist penned, Let the praises of God be in their mouths and a two-edged sword in their hands. It was sung in a song called God's God an Army. But I read it with new eyes this morning, and it posed a few questions. 

One. Why are they carrying a sword? Two. Why are they singing and carrying a sword? And three. Can you praise God while in the battle? Well, a sword is an offensive weapon and our faith is a defensive weapon. In fact, in Ephesians 6, where Paul describes the armor of God, the sword is the only offensive weapon. All the rest provide defense. (Faith, truth, salvation...)

I imagined a warrior carrying a huge sword and singing about God's goodness. When trauma or huge trials happen, it can be hard to praise God. Sometimes, we feel like He failed us. I'm sure Mary and Martha felt that way when Lazarus died. If you had been here... But healing comes as we realize that God did not change when our circumstances changed. He didn't get off the throne or throw in the towel, even if we felt like our worlds fell apart. Once we realize that we can still praise Him in the battle - the battle changes.

It is a process, though! It took me a while to realize that His grace, His mercy, and His love for me didn't change, even though my whole life changed with a phone call. It abruptly came to a stop. To be totally honest and real, I didn't feel like praising God. Part of me died inside. But I finally got to the place where I could praise Him for things that would never change. I started with such basic things - like salvation. For a long time, that's all I could think of. I thanked Him for just being there and for salvation. That was the starting point.

Now, I understand how it's possible to praise God and still be in the struggle of our lives. Many of the psalms were born in such circumstances. Even in Psalm 13, where David pours out his heart and asks God just where He went - will you look the other way forever? Will you forget us forever? How long will I struggle with anguish in my soul...Even in the last two verses, David turned it around to praise. His declarations say it all - I will trust, I will rejoice, I will sing to the Lord...

Worship belongs in the battle - it's not separate from it. This is good, since as caregivers our lives are battlegrounds. But right in the middle of it all - there is freedom to praise God. That's how we win our day.

Today, I will remind myself to stop when things are overwhelming. Then, I will take a moment to think of all He has brought me through. I will praise Him for not leaving me, even when I am whining, complaining, and looking for something to soothe my soul. I will praise Him for His steadfast faithfulness. And I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me in finding something to praise Him for today?

Today is a good day to peace out! Check out my 31-day devotional on Kindle or in Print!

You can also get the eBook in my shop at BuyMeACoffee!