TAKE REFUGE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8, ESV
Theme: Nothing is better than putting God first and experiencing His goodness.
COME TO GOD FIRST
Some of my favorite phrases in the Bible are found in 2 Chronicles, chapter 20. Some of the precepts we live by and the worship songs we sing are inspired by the events recounted in this chapter. King Jehoshaphat, the nation of Judah, and the capital city of Jerusalem are surrounded. The people gather from all over the country to fast and pray, and to turn to God. The king cries out to the Lord, reminding God of His mighty deeds and how He has saved and rescued so many times. Jehoshaphat ends with this plea: ‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12b, ESV).
TRUST HIS RESPONSE
The Lord responds and we take comfort in these words to this day: “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chronicles 20:15b, ESV). “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” (2 Chronicles 20:17a, ESV). I assume that “This Is How I Fight My Battles” is inspired by Jehoshaphat’s decision to put the priests and the worship leaders at the front of the army, leading them into battle.
GOD’S GOODNESS
Before the army of Judah even reached the battlefield, the Lord had defeated the opposing army. Other enemies ambushed the horde and these various enemies of Judah fought each other. The account says: “they all helped to destroy one another” (2 Chronicles 20:23b, ESV). Only God could cause that to happen. When the army of Judah reached the battlefield, they found only bodies. And much plunder: equipment, clothing, treasure. They took the spoils of war and carried away as much as they could for three days, and it was STILL more than they could gather.
Make It Personal: Truly, I hope God never provides for us through the spoils of a dead army. But that army had come to slaughter them. When Judah turned to God, trusting Him for their lives, their protection, their very existence, He did not let them down. He will not let you down, no matter how incredibly huge the army or the obstacle is.
Pray: God, thank You for fighting my battles. Thank You that I must just stand still and rest in You. You are good and Your mercies endure forever. I do not want to hold back anything from You: my life, my thoughts, my family, or my material possessions. I want to be generous and trusting that You are working for my good in every season and every situation. Thank You for Your love for me. Amen.
Read: 2 Chronicles 20
Weekly Memory Verse: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8, ESV