Before A Battle

February 3

READ 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!

BEFORE A BATTLE. How do you get ready for some great challenge? It could be a conflict or a surgery or an undertaking that is very dangerous. The people here are on the eve of a great battle, and the temptation is to look to military might as their hope (verse 7). Instead they look to the Lord and to the king he has sent them (verse 1–6). Because God answers him, God’s king (verse 1), he answers them (verse 9). How easy for us to place hope in analogous things—family, money, doctors, programs. Christians look instead to their anointed King, Jesus. God always answers him and honors his sacrifice (verse 1–4; cf. Hebrews 10:1–22).

Prayer: Lord, I am so anxious because I look to human wisdom, talent, and resources. They can let me down, but you cannot! Even if things don’t go as I wish, if they are in your hands I am safe. And I know you will hear my prayer because you always hear my Savior’s prayers.