As an Officer’s Kid, I have the rare “gift” of being able to recall the melodies of Song Book Songs that I don’t really know. The only thing is that it’s not usually something that I try to do, it just happens, like the song forced itself on my brain…
This morning was one of those mornings. I started whistling the melody to I’ll Gird on the Armor (SASB# 686), which lead me to read through that portion of the Song Book, which lead me Who is on the Lord’s Side? (SASB# 707). There’s some really good stuff in there. I wish I could recall lyrics and tune, but, oh well.
For instance, check this out:
I will join at once the fight,
Leaning on my Savior’s might,
He is almighty to deliver;
From my post I will not shrink,
Though of death’s cup I should drink;
Hell to defeat is my endeavor.
(I’ll Gird on the Armor, SASB# 686, verse 4)
Here’s the thing: God’s called us into battle – To first love God with everything we have, and, in so doing, to be a light to the world and to love our neighbor as ourselves. But we have to remember that going into battle doesn’t mean leaving our Commanding Officer behind at the base. He leads us into battle, and we follow Him. It’s when we decide to go in alone that we come out beat up, or worse.
This gives us all the reason we need to remember that our primary goal is to keep connected to the Life Giver. Our relationship with the Lord is what needs to be put first. Jesus said “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Many of us know the story of Peter walking on the water. Jesus comes out on the lake, and Peter immediately wants to walk on water too. So he gets out, and he’s doing great. Then his focus shifts onto the waves, and it’s then that he sinks (see Matthew 14:22-36).
We can never loose sight of Christ or of who we are in Christ. These are two very important truths that we need to carry with us always. Take time to be with Jesus, and then follow His leading.
“The Soldier must have his delight not just in God’s gifts and help, but in His nature, His holiness, His righteousness, mercy and love.
It is a serious mistake to be so preoccupied with living for God as not to have time for living with God, adoring Him, listening to Him, worshiping Him and consciously resting in His love. We are called upon to ‘enjoy Him forever.’ We are to have our minds stayed upon Him.” (Chosen to be a Soldier, pg 10).