Today’s psalm: Psalm 46:2-9
Holy warriors engage in spiritual warfare, doing God’s divine work to achieve God’s divine purposes. Thus God sends them, anoints them, provides for them, equips them, protects them, strengthens them, and gives them the victory. Holy warriors must be confident in the God whom they serve. And they must live the life of discipline needed to be in God’s army.
Who is God for them?
First, “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.” (v.2). As our refuge, God protects us and refreshes us. As our strength, God enables us to engage a powerful enemy in combat. God’s grace is always with us, especially in times of great difficulties, trials and suffering.
Second, “The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.” (v.8). As our stronghold, we are secure in God’s protection and provision. We are able to withstand the assaults of the enemy and emerge victorious.
Third, God “has done fearsome deeds on earth” (v.9b). Holy warriors serve an awesome and fearsome God, who is all-powerful and for whom nothing is impossible. Throughout salvation history, God has worked wonders and miracles through His holy warriors. We are confident He can and will do the same for us today.
So what is the proper and reasonable posture of a holy warrior?
One, a holy warrior stands secure in his stronghold, the home base, the city of God, the Church. “Streams of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; God will help it at break of day.” (v.5-6). The gates of the netherworld cannot prevail against the Church. With God in our midst, we remain secure, always filled with joy.
Two, a holy warrior knows the power that he brings to the fight. It is God’s power and might. “Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, he utters his voice and the earth melts.” (v.7).
Three, a holy warrior is thus not afraid, no matter the enormity of the challenge and the intensity of the war. “Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea, though its waters rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging.” (v.3-4). With the home front secure, with God’s power for the battlefront, the holy warrior plunges confidently into battle.
The holy warrior wants many others to know such a God. So he evangelizes, witnesses, proclaims the gospel. “Come and see the works of the Lord” (v.9a).
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