Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1 NIV
Contend is a very interesting word. It’s not used very often in our modern world, but it has a rich history and meaning. It is reeb in Hebrew meaning to strive, plead, toss, wrangle, grapple and to defend. A fighting word.
Throughout our lifetime, we will have those who contend with us. In fact, as believers we have a contender whose sole aim is to rob, kill and destroy us – the enemy (see John 10:10). Not pretty, most unwelcome, but warned against in Scripture by Jesus Himself.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
But Jesus tells us to not be afraid because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
This is why it gives me great comfort to know that I can call out to the LORD to have Him contend for me. I do not have to fight my cause. In fact, my responsibility is to put on my armor, and to stand. I am to get behind Him and let Him fight my battles. He is way more capable than I ever will be.
God sees the entire army, the flanks, the rear guard, cavalry, helicopters, bombers, everything. I am so nearsighted all I see is what is directly in front of me. And even that has me shaking in my boots – it’s enough to make me fearful. Imagine if I were to see it all.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). I need not fear because God is my Warrior God (Exodus 15:3) and He fights for us. We will not see this scrimmage again. Maybe the same stale battle script, and maybe even the same enemies, but I need not fear – God is the Commander-In-Chief, calling the shots, fighting this and every battle I face.
My focus needs to be on my Warrior God not on the battle or the contenders anyway. I need to keep my eyes on Him then I won’t be afraid. Rather like a child learning to ride a bike. Eyes on daddy, ears attuned to his voice and peddle away.
When we allow God to fight our battles, the victory is always sure. There is a victory cry every single time. We are to strap on our armor, pray and stand. That’s it.
You mean, we are not even to fight? To engage in the battle? That is correct. We are called to stand, wearing our armor strapped on, in place and we are called to pray. Pray to our Warrior God, pray for our enemies and to pray we stay focused on keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and not on anything else.
Once we take a glance away from our Saviour’s face we run into trouble. We lose focus, we lose precious moments of peace, and we quickly become overwhelmed. We need to be content with “need-to-know” basis with the Lord and our battles. We are given all the instructions we need – put on armor, stand, pray, eyes on our Warrior God and Jesus, the Author of our faith. And may I add – know the Holy Spirit is praying and interceding for us, at all times, and especially at this time (See Romans 8:26).
I am thankful I do not need to figure out the battle plans, the layout of the land, the strategies of the endless fighting. Too much to keep track of – seriously. But, knowing my God is also my Contender God, then I can be at complete peace knowing He has my back, my flank, my front, my all.
PRAYER
Warrior God, I thank You deeply with reverence and awe of Your power. You fight all my battles to the very end. You have me hemmed in on all sides – the enemy cannot reach me because he has to get through You first. Boy, there is comfort in that. You are mighty and powerful, sovereign and good. I trust You, so therefore I will stand and allow You to fight for me. Thank You for the peace that comes as a reminder that You are for me. AMEN
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