Psalms Streak: A Daily Devotional in the PsalmsSample

When Battles Come

What do we know about David and his ability to fight? We know that he fought off a lion and a bear when he was a boy to save some of his lambs. We know that he went up against a skilled, massive beast-of-a-man named Goliath - and won. We know he went to live with the king, where he was trained by the best to someday be in battle. We know that he was so good during his training that he was promoted to be leader in the army. We know he led many men into battle and came out victorious again and again and again. His hands were trained for war. His fingers were trained for battle.

Now, some of us might end up in a battle someday. Some of the teens in our TeenStreet community live in areas of the world where there is constant fighting and battle. But many of us won't. Before we move forward, take a moment to pray for the teens in our community who live in areas where there is constant fighting and war.

For those of us who will never be forced into a physical battle, there is another kind of battle we will ALL face. Each of us will live in spiritual battle while we are on this earth. We will all battle different things: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, pornography, gossip, lying, bullying… All of these bring the spiritual battle right to our doorsteps. So how do we train ourselves for that kind of battle?

One really important thing we can do is read and memorise Scripture. Do you remember how Jesus fought off Satan in the wilderness? He quoted Scripture! Even Jesus memorised Scripture as a boy! Another thing we can do is surround ourselves with people who will fight the battle with us. Meeting with a small group to read Scripture and praying together allows you to build up your army for battles to come. You can also pray and stay close to the Father. Re-read verse 2: "He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me". Talk to God about your battles and trust Him to be your fortress and fight with you.

GO DEEP: How do you fight your battles? Which weapons from the devotion today will you add to your armour: prayer? Scripture? a small group?

BE BOLD: Who needs to hear this? Who could you share it with?