MY DEFENDER
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:9-11 (NIV)
When I was 17, I worked at a grocery store in Florida. One of my co-workers continually harassed me, and despite my complaints, the store manager didn't do anything. When I finally told my dad what was happening, he immediately went straight to the store and made it very clear to the manager that his daughter would not be mistreated. The size of my dad was intimidating, but knowing someone was harassing his daughter only added to it. Needless to say, the other employee lost his job that day.
In much the same way, my Heavenly Father fights battles on my behalf all the time. Too often, I try to handle things in my own strength instead of calling on Him, and all it does is prolong the struggle. During a difficult season with my sons, God gently reminded me to be still and trust that He was in control. Choosing to surrender the situation to Him was not easy, but years later, I could clearly see how His guidance and faithfulness made a lasting difference in my boys' lives.
Today, let's remember the strength of our Creator. He is our great defender, the One leading the charge in the battles we fight. He is a stronghold against evil and an unmovable refuge for His people. As written in the great hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God, He is our fortress and defender.
APPLICATION: Is there an area of your life where you've been striving in your own strength instead of trusting God? Surrender that situation to Him in prayer and choose to rest in the truth that He is already fighting on your behalf. Spend a few moments being still before God and allowing His peace to calm your heart.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for being my protector, defender and refuge in every season of life. Help me stop relying on my own strength and trust You fully with the battles I face. Teach me to be still and rest confidently in Your faithfulness and love. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?