Day Five
How do you praise Yah in a time of war? In the middle of unpleasant times, the thought of praising Yah can seem absurd. Prayer in itself is difficult. So how did David accomplish praise during the battle, especially when it seems so super-human?
Branon Dempsey’s stepfather was a U.S. Special Forces Army Ranger, 82nd Airborne in the Vietnam War. He told him many stories of his training, hardships, and firefights. One thing that stood out to him was his effort to be secure in every insecure environment. Branon's stepfather trained in the jungles of the Ho Chi Minh during the war. His response “what better way to learn than when you’re in the middle of it”, reflected the military rule of learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
The Tehilliym beckon us to see David in every uncomfortable situation. If we do a backtrack of his life, we will see that his older brothers did not take him seriously. David was anointed as king, yet returned to the shepherd field, threatened by animals. He faced the giant, Golyath, who no one else could conquer. He was chased by Sha’ul to the point of death, and David was hated by men because of the choices he made.
David has an extensive resume. I’m not sure I would like to have all of these levels of experience. One thing to note, however, is that in every circumstance David faced, he was still a shepherd boy. All of his training in the field prepared him for every battle that he would encounter.
In Tehillah 86, David raises a battle cry. He prays to Yah for his life. In search of comfort, when there seems to be none, listen to raw honesty.
“Show me a sign for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because you, Yahuah, have helped me, and comforted me.” – Tehillah 86:17 את CEPHER
Wow. David does not hold back. He wrestles evil to the ground in prayer as he did the bear, the lion, and Golyath. Sometimes it takes the hard work of prayer to bring down the enemy. It’s not fun. It’s dirty, painful and, at the moment, it may feel like an eternal struggle. Here, we see David learning to be comfortable in unseemly situations. In his time of need, he chooses Yah to be his comfort. David uses the weapons of Yah’s Word, prayer, worship, and faith to battle his enemies.
When we pray in search of comfort, we see how Yah hears. He comes to our rescue in our discomfort. Even when we do not see it or feel it, that does not mean Yah is not there. And, that is just it. We should not pray or praise Yah based on our emotions or circumstances. Instead, we must base our prayers and praise on His truth anchored in His word.
Tehillah 91:4 proclaims, “He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.”
I don’t know about you, but I will take shelter under any feather of Yah’s wings that I possibly can. One faithful quill from His stock is better than an army of soldiers. His truth is always with me, no matter how I may feel about the situation.
How often do you recall the events of Yah? Remembering His faithful works provides great comfort. David recalls the countless works and promises of Yah. He remembers past kindnesses of Yah and he heartily believes Yah will show him continued grace again in the future.
"ZAYIN - Remember the word unto your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope.” – Tehillah 119:49 ( את CEPHER).
This shepherd boy calls Yah out on His Word. He is telling Him, “Okay Yah, You said, and did this before, so do it again.” This boldness speaks about our faith in Yah and testifies to Him and others what we believe.
We know how to find peace in the midst of the battles of life. We take refuge in prayer, while Yah teaches and strengthens us. While every conflict may be different, Yah’s presence and reinforcements are always faithful.
When it comes to war, our first weapon of choice may not be prayer; however, without the use of it, we are vulnerable and unprotected. It is in those times that we are most at risk of being wounded or left for dead by the enemy.
Even in battle, our greatest weapon is worship. Throughout the writings of the Ancient Covenant, Yah would position worshippers, singers, and musicians in the front, to march against the foe. He knew there is no defence against the praise of Yah. Those warriors found their comfort in uncomfortable circumstances by calling upon, and trusting in the help of Yah - and so can you.
Reflection:
How do you feel about war? It’s bloody, messy, costly, and dangerous. Spiritual war is similar. Pa'al reminds us in Eph’siym 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The world may come at us with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but we come in the name of Yahuah Tseva'oth, the Elohai of the armies of Yashar'el. (See Shemu'el Ri'shon 17:45). In the midst of a fight, how can you use the weapons of prayer, worship, and Yah’s Word?
Prayer:
Yahuah Tseva’oth, Victorious Warrior, thank You for hearing my prayer. Thank You for coming to my aid when I am attacked. All glory belongs to You and Your praise belongs at the front of the infantry. Thank You for not leaving me defenceless. As You train my hands for war and my fingers for battle, I boldly advance knowing I can do all things through You because of Your strength. As I see You triumph through the battles, help me to etch deep into my memory all that You are doing. Until Mashiach comes, I long for Your Kingdom and the victory that I will share with all the Qodeshiym.
We thank You, Yahuah, for those who have served on the front lines in the military, giving their lives for our freedom. We also thank you Yah for those who have served on the front lines in the medical profession in an effort to care for both our health and safety.
In Yahusha’s Name, Amein
Scripture quotes:
“Show me a sign for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because you, Yahuah, have helped me, and comforted me.” –Tehillah 86:17 את CEPHER.
“Help me, so that I know you are pleased with me. Then my enemies will see it, and they will be ashamed. They will know that you, Lord , have helped me and comforted me.” - Psalms 86:17 EASY.
“He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.” – Tehillah 91:4 את CEPHER.
“He will keep you safe, like a bird keeps its babies safe under its wings . Because he keeps his promises, he will keep you safe like a shield and armour.” - Psalms 91:4 EASY.
"ZAYIN - Remember the word unto your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope. – Tehilliym 119:49 את CEPHER.
“Remember the word that you have spoken to me, your servant. You have made me put my hope in it.” - Psalms 119:49 EASY.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – Eph’siym 6:12 את CEPHER.
“We are not fighting against human enemies. Instead, we are fighting against the rulers and the powerful spirits that have authority over this dark world. We are fighting against the bad spirits who live in the heavens.” - Ephesians 6:12 EASY.
“Then said David to the Pelishtiy, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of Yahuah Tseva'oth, the Elohai of the armies of Yashar'el, whom you have defied.” - Shemu'el Ri’shon 17:45 את CEPHER.
“David said to Goliath, ‘You have come to fight against me with a sword , a spear and a knife. But I come to fight against you with the authority of the Lord Almighty . He is the God who leads Israel's army, and you have insulted him!” - 1 Samuel 17:45 EASY.
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