Daily EncouragementSample

“But Shammah took his stand . . . ” One of the characteristics of King David’s “mighty men” was that they were able to stand and fight. The Heavenly King expects the same of his followers today: “Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Eph. 6:13). The place where Shammah stood doesn’t sound paraticularly important - it was just “a field full of lentils” - but he stood there because he had been appointed by his lord the King.

Shammah stood when others fled: “Israel’s troops fled” (2 Sam. 23:11). It can be a lonely task to stand when others depart: “You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me . . . At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me” (2 Tim. 1:15, 4:16).

Shammah stood and “the Lord brought about a great victory.” For he stands with his warriors who stand for him: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength” (2 Tim. 4:17).

Stand fast for Christ thy Saviour!
He once stood fast for thee,
And standeth still, and still shall stand
for all eternity.
Be faithful, O be faithful,
To love so true, so vast -
Stand fast for Christ! Stand fast for Christ!
Stand faithful to the last.