stephen R Harrison

David began Psalm 144 by giving praise to the Lord (v. 1). Instead of petition (asking God for things), shouldn’t we begin our prayers with praise (making Him the main thing)? David praised the Lord for giving him the ability to be a great warrior. David needed this skill when he fought off the lion and the bear as a shepherd, when he faced Goliath as a young boy, and when he fought battles as the king. 1 Chronicles 18 tells us, “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (vv. 6, 13). The Lord not only fights our battles for us (Deuteronomy 3:22), He gives us the ability to fight through the battle as well. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to bypass any and every battle and just let the Lord do it all for me. Sometimes, the Lord allows us to experience persecution from the enemy to remind us how much we desperately need Him. We must remember that any skill, talent, or gift we have is from the Lord. It is the Lord Who is our “fortress, stronghold, deliverer, shield, and refuge” (Psalm 144:2). Without the proper training, resources, strategy, and wisdom, we would easily lose every battle we face. The Lord cares for His people by protecting and preparing them for the battles that await in life (v. 3).

There’s something David wanted more than being a great warrior. He wanted to be a great worshipper. More than His protection and provision, David longed for God’s presence. While winning the battle is important, it’s never more important than being in His presence. It is in the Lord’s presence that we discover His power and protection (vv. 6-7) and truth (v. 8). It’s His presence that causes us to “sing a new song to God” (v. 9). I’ve never heard of anyone singing joyfully during war, but that’s just what the presence of the Lord does. He provides joy and peace in the middle of war and chaos. It seems David’s pattern was one of worship before, during, and after the battle. His faith allowed him to sing and play music to the Lord before the battle even started. It’s easier to praise the Lord after a victory than it is to trust Him before the battle begins. A man of faith knows God is a deliverer and protector and chooses to trust Him before a sword ever leaves its sheath (v. 11).

While there may be a war brewing in places like our marriage, family, or job, we must prepare by praying and worshipping an all-powerful God who can wipe out the most daunting enemy with a single word. Even if He chooses to allow us to go through the battle, we must be confident He will provide everything necessary to come out better on the other side. We know “all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes” (Romans 8:28). If God “gives victory to kings and delivers His servant David” (v. 10), He can do the same for us today. David had faith God would also bless his children (v. 12), provide and sustain life (v. 13), and extend protection to all those under his care in the city (v. 14). David knew the battle was never just about himself. The enemy is always after our physical and spiritual families as well. David was a man who believed “Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord” (v. 15). May we trust God before, during, and after the battle for our personal lives, the generation behind us, and the community around us.

Questions:

1. When facing a battle, are you more concerned with praise or petition?
2. Do you find it difficult to praise the Lord during a battle? Why?
3. When consumed in a spiritual battle, do you have enough faith for the generation behind you and the community around you?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust you before the battle begins. During the battle, help me wage war with praise and prayer with great faith for myself and everyone connected to me. My spiritual battles are never just about me. Empower and train me to fight the enemy who wants my life and everyone else around me as well. I truly believe the battle belongs to the Lord. Help me remember all of who I am belongs to You and is safe and blessed in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.