Do battle

2 Samuel 22:31-43 NLT
“God’s way is perfect. All the lord ’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the lord ? Who but our God is a solid rock?
God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great.
You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
“I chased my enemies and destroyed them;
I did not stop until they were conquered.
I consumed them;
I struck them down so they did not get up;
they fell beneath my feet.
You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
You placed my foot on their necks.
I have destroyed all who hated me.
They looked for help, but no one came to their rescue.
They even cried to the lord , but he refused to answer.
I ground them as fine as the dust of the earth;
I trampled them in the gutter like dirt.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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Reading this, it is important for me to keep in mind our instructions for preparing for battle in Ephesians 6, with the key verse being:

Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

And the Lord is the solid rock, the foundation on which we can stand and we can see the evil in our lives being crushed and swept out of our thoughts, out of our words, and our of our actions.

When we have this Holy Spirit of Christ in us, alive and active and teaching and guiding us – change is happening in us, because He is overcoming those enemies, those evil strongholds in our lives. We learn His will throughthe Word of God, we seek out those things that we need to change in our lives, we lift them to him in prayer, and we put on this armor to do spiritual battle – not battle against other people, but battle against those evil things that are contrary to the Holy Spirit of God.

So if we are going to do spiritual battle, first we need this Holy Spirit of Christ in us. So we should pray and believe and have hope and faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Once we have Him, we can wear His armor.

Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And we will face enemies, we will face trials – but if we are equipped, and if we hold fast and cling close to our risen Savior and King, Jesus Christ – the battle is already won.

Let’s see the enemy fall defeated at our feet today, friends. Let’s cast off those chains of sin and temptation and evil that are a part of our lives that are keeping us from experiencing the full life that we know is waiting for us.

And let’s praise Him all day long, knowing the wonderful blessing that He is in our life. Thankful for His guidance, His healing, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His power, and His faithfulness.

Have a blessed day, friend!