May 5, 2012 (2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.” Psalm 20: 7-8 NLT
Observation: David explains why his enemies fall. Their trust and hope was in their on abilities and the shear number of their army. They became arrogant and thought because they were so many they could not possibly fall. Pride has a subtle way of bringing a person to their own designed end. David’s trust and hope was in the Lord alone. His confidence and faith was in God above. David sought God and ask Him for the battle plan, and God gave him the instructions. When David fought, he fought with confidence, because he knew he had consulted with the best military strategist ever.
Application: So how can we gain some insight from this in 2012? America sure seems to be a nation boastful and arrogant about it’s military strength. Could it be that we have become arrogant and proud to the point that we no longer seek God for our battle instructions? Could it be that we are trusting more in our own abilities and strengths like the Ammonites did? Do we remember how things worked out for them? Over 40,000 soldiers were killed and the remaining Ammonite soldiers had no choice but to give up and become slaves to the Israelites. Do we think we are too big to fail? I say we should be careful not to push God into showing us, we are not. Our own abilities and strengths will bring us defeat, but a faithful trust and obedience in the Lord will provide us triumphant victory!
Prayer: Dear Lord, You are so great! I love You and appreciate all You are and all You do. You cause the sun to rise and the gentle breeze to blow, You pour out the life sustaining rain from the heavens above and cause an increase from the seeds sown. You are my strength. You are my hope. You are my Lord. Your are my King. All of my trust is in You and Your amazing power, You will not fail, in Jesus name, Amen!