Battle…Motivated to Overcome Distress

But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. (Psalm 55:16-18 NIV)

Motivating Monday! 

Memorial Day 2019, a day we remember all who have served, receiving their ultimate banner waving high. Hearts who served, standing firm for our freedom. It’s easy to see faces, lets not forget their hearts, their inner fiber who were destined to be one of the greatest, by serving.

Battle

Battle after battle military are trained to succeed. What about personal battles? Yesterday, our Pastor’s entire sermon had me shouting praise! He preached from Ephesians 6, making aware our real enemy- as God tugged my heart concerning the title of my first book attempt. I need to follow through with God’s work for me to accomplish- teaching individuals not to be deceived. There is a battle for our souls daily. The devil is a liar, father of lies. Every word he preached, has been blogged on at some point the last six years- over and over. King David is perfect to study for overcoming distress, winning battles.

David’s Heart

Reading Psalm after Psalm, David’s heart is formed after God’s own heart. When in distress, he called out to God, and not shy wanting his enemies destroyed. In verse 15- Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave. Unsure I could pray this over my enemies, seems really harsh. Yet, I have softened my defense, becoming careless and need to accept defeat. I’ve been in distress over my lost cell phone, purchased less than two months ago. I have called out to God- I have stood on greater faith, others have prayed. I have made wrong assumptions, and having to face reality. Has my heart been as pure as when David cried out in distress to God?

Defeat

Declaring defeat means a financial blow to my family. I know distress is different for each one and depths vary. I do not like to be defeated. Asking myself, “Have I learned my lesson…don’t let cell phone control my time?” This has been a real battle for me this past week, turning into a spiritual lesson…Phones are to communicate not saturate my time. Am I willing to listen to God? Am I teachable? It’s time to accept defeat, suffer consequences, and learn from my mistake. (unless a sacrificial lamb appears…Please God?) We do not want to end up like men discussed in Pslam 55…men who never change their ways and have no fear of God. If we never change our ways, we’ll never accomplish work God has destined for us.

Freedom

Have you related a battle in your own life to what God is trying to teach? Time is vital in accomplishing tasks, there is work to be done. As Military Men and Women sacrifice the ultimate for our freedom, Jesus did the same on the cross. All for you and me- that we might live free here on earth and in Heaven for eternity. When battles create distress…let’s stop and ask God, “What am I to learn from this situation?” Accepting defeat tastes too similar to humble pie…not very pleasant. Yet, a closer walk with Jesus is very sweet!

Be encouraged!