Today’s psalm: Psalm 144:1-10
The call to join the ranks of God’s army as a holy warrior is a very high calling. How indeed would we be deserving of such a call to be God’s own people and to do God’s divine work in the world? We are weak, sinful flesh. We often stand as obstacles in God’s way. Why would God consider using us at all? “Lord, what is man that you take notice of him; the son of man, that you think of him?” (v.3). God is awesome and eternal, but we are mere specks in an earth-bound existence. “Man is but a breath, his days are like a passing shadow.” (v.4).
But God does call us and use us. God has made Himself dependent upon us to accomplish His purposes in the world. All the more this should humble us. All the more we should give our all to God and His work. All the more we must respond strongly to His call to be holy warriors.
As we present ourselves to God to be commissioned into His army, he equips us. “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war” (v.1). When God sends us forth, He protects us. We can confidently look to Him. “Reach out your hand from on high; deliver me from the many waters; rescue me from the hands of foreign foes.” (v.7). God provides us a safe haven. He is “my safeguard and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer” (v.2a). When we go to war, God gives us the victory. He is “my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” (v.2b).
As holy warriors we serve an all-powerful and victorious God. He is Creator and Lord of nature. “Lord, incline your heavens and come down; touch the mountains and make them smoke.” (v.5). God commands the elements and brings to bear all things in order to win the victory. We can look to Him with confidence as we go forth. “Flash forth lightning and scatter my foes; shoot your arrows and rout them.” (v.6). God gives victory and deliverance to His faithful servants. “You give victory to kings; you delivered David your servant.” (v.10).
Unworthy as we are as mere flesh, God will use as, if we humbly come before Him, live according to His ways, and confidently go forth into battle. That is cause for joyful praise. “O God, a new song I will sing to you; on a ten-stringed lyre I will play for you.” (v.9).
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