Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Blessing the Lord, Every Time

Have you ever been in a battle where enemies were fighting you at every angle? Whether the enemies were physical people or simply spiritual warfare, enemies can sometimes cause us to become fearful. Today, let’s see how we can actively fight against these enemies. Now, I could try and teach you some physical fighting techniques, such as, tae kwon do or karate. However, my complete lack of knowledge and skill in those areas would not be beneficial to anyone reading this. Something I do know that works in any spiritual battle is the Word of God, which is our sword. My pastor preached a sermon last Sunday that is titled, “War Room.” Let’s take this message taught at church, and apply it at home as we continue in this series, “Life after Service.”

First, Read, Psalm 34:1-4

The Psalmist David was obviously in a battle where he had an enemy, similar to many of us. But how did David handle the battle this particular time? What steps did he take that we can also apply?

Depart.

This psalm is in response to David’s departure from Abimelech, after he drove David away. Sometimes, when it is tough on our jobs or at school, instead of departing, we stay. We see it is clear that David physically departed from Abimelech. However, sometimes we don’t always have physical battles, but we have spiritual battles, also known as, spiritual warfare. In both cases, departure must take place. In battles, we must first mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually depart from where the battle originated. This is the first act of surrender to God. As saved, Holy spirit-filled Christians, we love to quote the scripture Deuteronomy 32:35, “Vengeance is mine…” (ESV) But do we actually let God avenge our enemies by surrendering? Before you quickly answer “yes,” really take the time to meditate on that question in an honest manner. 

Kneel.

The first verse in Psalm 34, David has made it his number one priority to bless the Lord. He doesn’t fight fire with fire; he simply kneels in prayer to God in COMPLETE surrender. The word “bless” in its Hebrew translation is the word “Barack,” which literally means “to kneel.” So David kneeled before God…? That’s it? I know, it sounds easier said than done. But it is extremely difficult when you have already become vengeful. It is safe to say that the initial emotion we feel when we realize we are in a battle is fear. Revenge comes later if we do not kneel before God. Look at verse four in this chapter, David then expresses how the Lord delivered him from fear. It is very important that fear is removed. Without removal of fear, our human nature will begin to go in revenge mode. Deny the flesh and get on your knees because this is the last state of surrendering to God in a battle. 

“When you kneel, you break your control/will.” –Pastor Vic

Enemies will come in and out of our lives until we take our last breath on this Earth. So it is extremely important that we handle battles the right way, God’s way. We have to breakdown our fearful and vengeful will by surrendering to God’s will. It’s an easy two step process: Depart and kneel. Once we depart from the battle/enemy, we let God know that He is in control. Lastly, when we begin to kneel/pray to God, we no longer just let God know He’s in control, we put God in control. Blessing the Lord at ALL TIMES, means EVERY OUTCOME. So surrendering is simply trusting God no matter the outcome. Ultimately, the outcome of this process will always bring victory. The next time a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual enemy comes your way, apply these kingdom principles. Ask yourself questions like, “Have I put God in control yet? What areas in my mind and heart have I not yet departed?” Reflect and grow, not only at church but at home as well.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” -2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)

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