5/19/24 THE BATTLE OF THE SOUL Psalm 13 & 35

Praise Tabernacle Podcast

THE BATTLE OF THE SOUL

Psalm 13

Amid life’s trials and tribulations, it’s common to echo the words of the Psalmist, asking, “How long, O Lord?” In Psalm 13, we see a heartfelt cry of desperation and longing for God’s intervention. As we delve into this passage, let’s reflect on our moments of waiting and how we can find hope and faith in their midst.

The Cry of the Psalmist: The opening verses of Psalm 13 express the raw emotion of the Psalmist as they pour out their heart to God. They feel abandoned, forgotten, and overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Have you ever experienced similar feelings in your own life? Can you recall when you felt abandoned or forgotten by God, and how did you cope with it?

The Psalmist’s “How long?” cry echoes our impatience during waiting times. Whether we’re waiting for healing, restoration, or answers to prayers, the waiting can feel agonizingly long. However, it’s in these moments that our faith is tested and refined.

How do you typically respond to waiting? Do you trust in God’s timing or grow restless and anxious?

Despite the Psalmist’s despair, we see a glimmer of hope in verses 5-6. They trust God’s unfailing love and rejoice in His salvation. Even amid their trials, they praise God and cling to His promises. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of hope and trust in God during your seasons of waiting and difficulty? Remember, just as the Psalmist found hope, so can you.

Psalm 13 concludes with a resolution to trust in God’s steadfast love and to praise Him. This reminds us that we can trust God’s faithfulness and goodness even when we can’t see a way out of our circumstances.

Are there areas in your life where you need to surrender control and trust God more fully?

Psalm 35

In the spiritual journey, the notion that "the Battle is the Lord's" from (1 Samuel 17:47) is often cited as a beacon of faith amid trials. However, it's crucial to discern: Is every battle indeed the Lord's, or do some arise from our actions?

Indeed, not every battle is of divine origin. Some are self-inflicted consequences of straying from God's path, where His hand of discipline is felt instead of His backing. In Psalm 35, David fervently petitions God for victory against his adversaries, demonstrating the immense power of prayer amidst adversity. This powerful tool can turn the tide of any battle when wielded with faith. Yet, sometimes prayers do not seem answered, prompting the question: Why?

The crux lies in our obedience to God. When suffering aligns with our obedience, the battle becomes the Lord's. Conversely, disobedience opens the door for enemy assaults as God withdraws His protective shield. This reality underscores the nexus between obedience and spiritual warfare, emphasizing the repercussions of straying from God's ways.

However, this isn't a sentence of despair but a call to introspection and repentance. Before expecting divine intervention, we must scrutinize our actions.

Acknowledging our faults and realigning with God’s will isn’t a sign of weakness but a potent pathway to victory. Once reconciled with God, even in battles of our making, He steps in, leading us to triumph over adversaries. This is a beacon of hope, a reminder that no struggle is too great when we align with the divine.

In essence, while the Battle is indeed the Lord's in times of obedience, our journey involves acknowledging our faults, repenting, and realigning with His will, thus enabling His divine intervention and ushering us into victory. In the spiritual journey, the notion that "the Battle is the Lord's" from (1 Samuel 17:47) is often cited as a beacon of faith amid trials. However, it's crucial to discern: Is every battle indeed the Lord's, or do some arise from our actions?

Indeed, not every battle is of divine origin. Some are self-inflicted consequences of straying from God's path, where His hand of discipline is felt instead of His backing. In Psalm 35, David fervently petitions God for victory against his adversaries, demonstrating the immense power of prayer amidst adversity. When wielded with faith, this powerful tool can turn the tide of any battle. Yet, sometimes prayers must be answered, prompting the question: Why?

The crux lies in our obedience to God. When suffering aligns with our obedience, the battle becomes the Lord's. Conversely, disobedience opens the door for enemy assaults as God withdraws His protective shield. This reality underscores the nexus between obedience and spiritual warfare, emphasizing the repercussions of straying from God's ways.

However, this isn't a sentence of despair but a call to introspection and repentance. Before expecting divine intervention, we must scrutinize our actions. Acknowledging our faults and realigning with God's will isn't a sign of weakness but a pathway to victory. Once reconciled with God, even in battles of our making, He steps in, leading us to triumph over adversaries.

In essence, while the Battle is indeed the Lord's in times of obedience, our journey involves acknowledging our faults, repenting, and realigning with His will, thus enabling His divine intervention and ushering us into victory.

-- Praise Tabernacle Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor 2235 Ocean Heights Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234