Battle

I am not experienced in military tactics or training. I am a huge fan and supporter of our military. I’m thankful each day for the freedom that has been fought for over the years and is continually being defended. The men and women in our military have made great sacrifices on behalf of our nation and this idea of freedom and democracy.

King David was defending himself and his nation against a coup from his son Absalom. Absalom basically chased David from the capitol city of Jerusalem. David still had quite a force of men fighting on his behalf. He gathered all his men and sent them out in 3 divisions and he gave specific instructions to be “gentle with the young man Absalom…” David’s men fought valiantly and routed Absalom’s men and they began fleeing to their homes, Absalom was fleeing on his donkey and his hair was long and thick and was caught in the branches of a tree. He was hanging there and was found by one of David’s men. He had heard the words of King David about being gentle with Absalom. Check this out…

14 Joab said, ‘I am not going to wait like this for you.’ So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab’s armour-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.

16 Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes. (2 Samuel 18:14-17 NIV)

The physical battle was over for David and his men, but the battles faced here were also spiritual. I believe that every day, there are spiritual battles that I face. I can appear to be good and doing well on the outside, but inside there is this constant battle for control of my heart. I must put in place some defensive strategies and make offensive plans to win each battle. Each battle I face with the enemy is part of the big picture of war.

I am in constant pursuit of God’s heart with my heart. I can certainly feel the enemy seeking to kill and destroy my faith and trust in the Lord. As I read the Word, I’m reminded that the enemy has no hope and no future. I would be wise to treat any counsel he offers as futile, empty and worthless. The Word of God speaks volumes of wisdom and truth into my heart and prepares me to win each battle for my heart. Today will be another day of spiritual battle even though physically everything appears fine. The Lord is with me and He never backs down from this fight.

Pressing On!

Dwayne