21/11/2017
QUIET
With His feathers He will cover you, under His wings you will find safety. His truth is your shield and armor. (Ps 91:4 ISV)
Panic has a way of distorting truth as do fear and anxiety. All of these are a sign that our focus is on the wrong thing, our trust is not in God.
It is imperative that we create an atmosphere in our hearts and minds that is conducive to the word of God and will allow it to take root and bear fruit. We have to learn about and understand the side of God that addresses our fear, anxiety and panic if we want to gain permanent victory in those areas.
The word of God is both a shield (used to defend against a specific seen attack) and armour (used for general protection whether or not a threat exists and whether or not it is seen). Because it is a shield and armour, it signifies the necessity of being equipped for a fight and the necessity of being able to utilise correctly what is provided.
When David took on Goliath, he did not know how to use armour and so he discarded it, in this unexpected situation he required a miracle and God came through for him.
While David knew how to deal with the odd enemy that came along, he did not know how to deal with being in a war zone surrounded by enemies who were constantly attacking. Because Goliath had reduced the war to a one on one, these were conditions under which David could succeed so the armour was unnecessary.
Once the Goliath episode was over, David did not continue to use a sling, he learnt how to use weapons and armour! David understood that when under a consistent persistent attack from the enemy, a sling was no defence against the type of weaponry the enemy would used.
David also understood that when he was weak, tired or blind, the armour he had would still work for him and save him from injuries and possible death. David acknowledged that it was necessary to cover every part of his life with armour: In the same way, we have to realise that we have to keep every part of our lives covered in the knowledge of the word of God because we need to be ready for unexpected attacks and attacks that last longer than anticipated.
God doesn't force His word on us, we have to pursue and embrace it. We have to make sure that we are not standing in its way by walking in doubt, disobedience or laziness.
May it be clear to you which enemies of the word of God you need to deal with in your life. May you make your heart and mind fertile ground for God's word.
May you learn to use the word of God over long periods of time when things do not seem to be changing for your good.
