Psalm 144:1 KJV – “Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”
It is easy to believe that David’s exclamation of praise belongs only to those engaged in soldiering. Not so! All believers are at war with three great enemies—the devil, the world, and the flesh. We battle against Satan, an invisible but powerful adversary, the ever-present influence of the world, and the fleshly desires that lurk deep within our hearts.
How is it possible to offer up praise when faced with constant conflicts? David gave us the key, “…the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”
Read further, and you will discover that the Lord your Rock is your lovingkindness, fortress, high tower, deliverer, shield, the One in whom I take refuge. You cannot name a struggle where God will fail to be each of these in your life. We have every reason to bless the Lord.
The battle ultimately belongs to the Lord, but in the meantime, He is mindful of our training. Read the Bible carefully and prayerfully—God will use it to make you battle-ready. He’ll say things like, “Stop doing a particular thing or start developing a certain virtue.” Every time you put God’s Word into action, He develops the skills you need to fight.
Can you look back to a great trial and see how God protected and brought you through? Praise Him for being “the Lord my Rock!” Are you in the middle of a tremendous battle today? Bless the Lord who will train your hands for war!
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
