War always has and always will plague mankind. As long as one selfish, evil heart beats in opposition to truth, that heart will assemble like-minded hearts and wage war. In the historic text, The Crime of War and the Illusions of Peace published in 1931, the author makes this claim: “from 1496 B.C. to 1925 A.D., a period of 3,421 years, there were nearly 3,153 years of war and scarcely 268 years of universal peace.” In the text the author describes a war as “an active conflict that claims more than 1,000 lives.” Mull that for a bit. In the last 3,421 years of human history there have been only an estimated 268 years of peace. Folks, the world has enjoyed only 8% peace during the last 3 and ½ millennia.
But for every war there must be at least two opponents. It is accurate to say that one side may be evil, and the other side is simply battling that evil. A great wrong that must be corrected. This would be indicative of Word War II. As Hitler rose and increased in power, the Allied forces formed to battle the great human injustices he was imposing upon his European neighbors. A force for good arose to defeat a force that was purely and simply evil.
Even though you personally will not find yourself waging war against an evil maniacal world leader today, you will find yourself battling against evil. In this world today, there is a wealth of evil that threatens good. In this world today there is a host of lies that threatens the truth. We are told by Jesus numerous times, that if we stand for Him, we will indeed be persecuted just as He was. (2 Tim 3:12, Luke 6:22, John 15:19) The attacks can appear in our lives from individuals, organizations, or even family. But what if every one of the attacks you endured was guaranteed to be a victory? What if, as you truly stood in the truth and righteousness of Christ, you were undefeatable?
As we continue to follow David, we find him on a high spot. His life thus far has been anything but high. He was anointed king as teenager only to spend the next 15 years running from the current king who was trying to murder him. Good running from evil. David found himself fleeing from cave to cave in a desolate wasteland, writing Psalms to the Lord as His soul cried our for justice. Finally, justice did arrive. God killed Saul and his Sons in battle and David takes the throne. And as He does, the battles continue. But as you study this period of David’s life, you’ll notice a very strange pattern. As King David walks righteously in the eyes of God, He is insurmountable. His foes fall before him and he easily defeats his enemies. No one can stand against David when he allows God to do his fighting. David is truly undefeatable when God does the fighting. Let’s look at some examples.
“And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 2 Samuel 5:19
“And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.” 2 Samuel 5:23-25
“Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.” 2 Samuel 8:6
“Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.” 2 Samuel 8:14
David was mighty warrior. When he fought on his own, he was fierce, battle-hardened, and determined. A true leader and a gifted military general. But when David fought for the Lord, He was invincible. When David let God lead him into battle, he was unbeatable. When David inquired of the Lord, the battle plan was perfect and guaranteed to be successful. When David not only included God in his battle plans, but let God make the battle plans, the victory was sure. “And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.”
Friends, the question is not whether you will fight today, the question is how will you fight today? Will you fight in your own strength or let the Lord fight for you? Today you don’t have the choice of fighting or not fighting, just like a big school yard bully, this world will come find you and pick a fight. You can’t cower from evil and hope for the best. You can’t simply refuse to fight. And you can’t waive the white flag and claim neutrality. These won’t work. The fight is on and you are in the middle. But today this should not alarm you. You are a child of God just as David was. You have the ability to ask God into your battles just as David did. You have the ability to choose to follow God’s battle plans just as David did. And folks, you can revel in the victories God brings, just as David did.
Today, invite God into your battles. Not to simply be a spectator or coach you, but to do your fighting. You cannot battle the evils of this world on your own. You versus the world will be a rout of epic proportions. But as you call your heavenly Father into the fray to fight for you, your victory will be guaranteed. And as He does offer you the victory, take another page out of the book and David and praise and worship a God that fights for those who follow Him. In fact, David’s heart was so full of praise, worship, and thanksgiving for the victories God gave, that he wrote them all down. And as the victories grew, his praises grew. They grew from one praise, to many. His praises are what we know today as the book of Psalms.
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 138:7
“Of David. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” Psalm 35:1
“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.” Psalm 18:39
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19
“Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
Heavenly Father, thank you for fighting for us today. Thank you for fighting the evil in our lives so that your truth and glory may prevail through us. And Lord, as you graciously give the victory, may we always have great praise upon our lips. For you God, are worthy of all praise.
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