What comes to your mind when you think of battle readiness? Is it the physical realm or the spiritual realm that you consider?
In our home fellowship, we are in the Psalms of Asaph.
Currently, we are in Psalm 78, and when we reached verse 9, it really resonated.
Also, I am in a study with a mentee around the importance of mindset and “putting on the full armor of God.”
So often, I think we just rush into a decision on if and how we are going to engage in the spiritual battles we face on this side of eternity.
We go in unprepared in our mindset and unarmed, and then wonder why we feel defeated.
As we read the text Psalm 78:9 says:
“The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.”
In our finite minds we tend to think of the battle in a physical manner rather than a spiritual one.
Author David Guzik explains that it’s believed this passage is referring to a Spiritual battle opposed to a physical battle.
As we focus in on “turning back in the day of battle,” Guzik further unpacks this with 4 powerful and profound bullet points:
- Some turn back before the battle begins.
- Some turn back as soon as the battle is engaged.
- Some turn back when the first injury is received.
- Some turn back when the battle becomes long.
Regardless which one of these 4 categories we can most relate to, if we do not put on the mind of Christ and the full armor of God, then we are already defeated.
We must remember that the battle belongs to God.
We must remember that we fight from victory NOT for victory.
On the cross it was finished!
And as the battle belongs to God, then we overcome because He already overcame.
And as I continue to reflect on the reasons we might turn back, I realized that mindset seems to be a reoccurring theme here as does how we prepare.
You see, the mind of Christ before and during the battle are imperative to: if we engage, how we engage and if we choose to continue engaging.
Allow me to share some takeaways with you:
Mindset:
- Remember before the battle begins- the battle belongs to God. The fight is His- He is capable and can be trusted.
- Remember when the battle begins- we have nothing apart from surrender and obedience to offer to the outcome of the battle.
- Remember during the battle- Keep eyes and heart fixed on Jesus. It is His power and strength working in and through us. Our abilities and flesh have nothing to offer. We must rely on Jesus alone!
- Remember when the battle becomes long- Not to grow weary. There is eternal treasure for those who endure and persevere. Weariness comes when we operate in the flesh.
Preparation:
Put on the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Beloved, may we always be Battle Ready and willing to engage!
Blessings!
Crystal Hippo