For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
2 Samuel 22:30 ESV
Reflection
Greetings prayer partner,
As we continue to prepare for the 2024 National Day of Prayer on May 2nd, we are studying our theme Scripture verses found in 2 Samuel 22:29-30. Last week we studied and prayed that we live in the Light of God who is our “Lamp” and “lightens our darkness” from verse 29. Now we turn to verse 30, that may seem of little use to you since you don’t plan to leap over any walls in the near future but as with all Scripture, we must look at it in the context and content of the Word of God.
2 Samuel 22 is a “Song of Deliverance,” a prayer of praise lifted up to God by David when he was delivered by God from the hands of his enemies. Verses 2-3 pour out praise all of us can lift up,
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.”
Don’t rush through this Truth; pause and reflect on times in your life when in your distress you called out to God and He was your strength, steadfastness, security, rest, protection, provision, all you needed and more. You were sinking in the depths of desperation and God delivered you, raised you up over your earthly circumstances to the heights of overcoming victory. Take time to read and receive verses 7-17 that give a vivid description of how God responds when we call out to Him in our distress. He is our warrior, our refuge, our Heavenly Father, and when our enemy the devil threatens God’s children and we cry out for help, He fights for us with a fury the enemy cannot withstand and, as verse 17 describes "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.” Whatever you are facing right now, cry out to God and ask Him to fight for you while You cling to Him.
David goes on to explain how we can fight in the power of God because God prepares us, trains us, equips us, we are strong and secure covered by the shield of His salvation. We continue to remind you that He is your lamp and lightens your darkness, He has already prepared the good works He has planned for your life. He has given you all you need to live a godly life, He authored your days and destiny and created you with the talents you need and is your Truth to guide and guard you. With God, you can! You can face the daily challenges and the devastating crisis. By Him you can run against the circumstances that try to discourage you, you can get out of debt, beat that addition, overcome loneliness by reengaging and reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors, you can forgive those who hurt you, you can learn something new, walk the path from diagnosis to recovery. By your God you can praise Him in your pain and thank Him in your trials because our God is faithful, He loves you and is always acting in that perfect, unwavering love.
All of us are running against something; have need to leap over and overcome something, and by our God we can!
Will you join me in prayer?
Lord, we praise You, our Rock, Redeemer, Light, Shield, Salvation, always Faithful Father! Thank You for every battle You train us to win and all the ways You show and grow our trust in You. We will remember and recount Your faithfulness; we will remind our own hearts and tell others of Your mighty deeds. Just as You promised, You draw us from deep waters and we are unscorched by the flames of this earthly life. Our footsteps are steadfast, secure and stable as You Shepherd us on Your path for Your glory. We do not lack, and we will not fear knowing You are near. No shadow can harm us as You are the Light that reveals the enemy’s schemes, and You supply the ability and victory as we cry out to You. In the Almighty, Victorious name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
