Podcast (daily-devotion): Download (4.6MB)

Psalm 35:1-10  
Of David.

Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.

David was a warrior who expressed the challenges of life in terms of a battle. He knew what it was like to go up against a formidable enemy and he never wanted to fight alone. He asked God to contend with him, to join him in the struggle.  He wanted to hear four words from God: “I am your salvation.”

David wanted God to come to his aid where the battle was the fiercest. He petitioned God to “take up shield and armor,” “to brandish spear and javelin.” He needed divine and natural intervention. He prayed that God send an angel to chase the enemy down dark and slippery paths into the pits they had dug for David.

All of us are engaged in a battle, albeit not against flesh and blood on a battlefield. We are no match for our enemies and the circumstances of life. But God is by our side. He is the One who rescues the weak from those too strong for them. Aren’t you thankful you are not fighting alone? Aren’t you thankful that God is contending for you?

Father, on my own I will lose the battle every time. Thank You for being by my side and fighting with me. Thank You for rescuing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.