Our individual and national security has become a very significant topic of discussion in recent years. When we look beyond our own borders, we are reminded of the reality of instant upheaval through acts of terror that bring destruction without warning. We wonder where the next attack will be and who will be responsible. Will it ever end?

On one occasion David wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” And a little later on he wrote, “A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all of its great strength it cannot save.” No doubt his son Solomon had listened to his father as he discussed his thoughts on war and battle strategies, winning and losing or victory and defeat. Out of those conversations Solomon formed his own ideas of war among and between nations. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle,” he said, “but victory rests with the Lord!”

When David and Solomon penned these observations, the horse was the greatest weapon in the military arsenal. When coupled to a chariot it added an even more lethal dimension. It brought speed to the battlefield that warriors could not overcome with its ability to “hit and run.” Foot soldiers did not have the capability to defeat an army that used horses in combat.

David and Solomon, however, remind us what makes the difference in combat: Victory belongs to the Lord. Nations may prepare and equip warriors, have superior weaponry and technology and plans without flaws (in their minds) but it makes little difference. God is the determining force.

Throughout Scripture God reminds us that “it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s.”

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for the promises in Your Word that assure us of Your strength and sovereignty and our safety. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 21:31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

“Why are you sitting there just staring off into space?” one friend asked another.

“Well, this year has been awful. It’s the worst year that I can ever remember. Nothing’s gone right and it seems that everything’s gone wrong. So I’m trying to figure out what was the worst thing that happened. But there’s too much competition for first place.”

Call them what you will: Misfortunes or mishaps, troubles or trials, adversities or afflictions. They are part of all of our lives and no one is immune to them.

But some seem to get through them, over them or around them better than others. Does their strength come from a superior source? Do they have a resource to call upon that is unavailable to the rest of us?

There is a story of the men of Judah standing before the Lord with their little ones. Suddenly, the spirit of the Lord came on one of the men. The message that came to him to give to the others was simple: “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

All Christians have God’s Spirit in them Who can work through them. If we stand firm in our faith and ask for God’s help, He will fight the battle for us and triumph.

Prayer: Lord, when adversity tries to stare us down, may we look up to you to save and sustain us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Chronicles 20:13-17 Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (Read more...)

Bruce, the Scottish king, when dying, asked his most trusted officer to carry his heart to the Holy Land for burial.

Douglas, the king’s trusted officer, enclosed the heart in a golden case, and with his mighty men went out on their mission to carry out the king’s last wishes.

But on the way, a big band of brutal warriors hemmed them in. To encourage himself for victory, he threw the king’s heart toward the Holy Land and shouted loudly, “Forward! Douglas will follow you or die!”

There’s a battle to be fought, and our Lord’s heart is out before us. Let’s follow the leading of His heart, or die!

Prayer: Father, make us more sensitive and responsive to the prompting of Thy Spirit and the persuasion of Thy Scripture as Thou dost summon us to follow Thee in all things: through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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