Silence for 2-5 minutes:
If your mind wanders, silently pray a simple prayer again and again, such as, "I surrender to your love" or "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me" until the Holy Spirit gives you a sense of peace and focus.
Scripture:
Psalm 20
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!
Reading:
Psalm 20 is a prayer prayed by David and his people before engaging in a great military battle. Is there any way they can ensure a victory when the stakes are so high? They might be tempted to look at their military might, preparedness, and prowess. They might think that because they have more horses and chariots, than the enemy, then they will undoubtedly win this war. David, however, has learned that the “battle is the Lord’s” and victory is only guaranteed when Israel trusts in God’s character and faithfulness and calls out to Him in prayer.
For the Christian, the battle is not a military conflict, but rather a spiritual battle that can manifest itself in a myriad of challenges and problems. What is your battle today? What is the one obstacle in your life that seems that it must be overcome if you are to go on? Who are you trusting in for victory?
The whole world is facing the grim reality of a pandemic that in some “hot spots” is wreaking unimaginable death and destruction. I just read of a church in the Bronx where thirteen members of the congregation had died from Covid 19. This morning I received news that my cousin’s daughter who is a nurse on the “front lines” of the battle has contracted the disease and is extremely ill. One might easily lose heart.
Paul expresses the sentiment of Psalm 20 in 2 Corinthians 2:14 where the Apostle guarantees the believer a victory regardless of the battle.
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. (The Message)
Let us, “shout for joy over our victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.”
Questions/Actions:
What would it look like to fully trust the Lord for victory in the greatest challenge of your life?
Prayer:
Lord, it is easy for me to trust in anything other than you. It is tempting to think that the battle will be won by natural means. Help me to understand that the “battle is the Lord’s.” Help me to believe that you are a warrior King who will always lead me in a victory parade in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!