Though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. – Psalm 27:3
Abraham Lincoln gave this warning in a speech on January 27, 1837, nearly 30 years before the Civil War and his eventual signing of the Proclamation to free millions of slaves: “If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time, or die by suicide.”
In 1846, Lincoln was running for Congress; he was accused of NOT being a Christian. His reply was that he would never deny the truth of Scripture, nor could he ever support someone for office “whom I knew to be an open enemy of, and scoffer at religion.” He was certain of the validity of the need for God in this nation.
Civil unrest plagues this country right now. Many are vying for control. Long ago David painted a frightful scene: “When evildoers assail me… though an army encamp against me… though war arise against me” (Psalm 27:2-3). Still, his next words were, “Yet I will be confident” (verse 3). He knew his Lord, the One who was his light and his salvation… his stronghold.
Today’s divisions are evident. Will you be weak and fearful of forces that seek to change this country, or will you be strengthened and confident in what the Lord can do through prayer and your actions? A Bible commentator once wrote: “The Christian is rich in experiences, which he wears as bracelets and keeps as his richest jewels. He calls one Ebenezer… Hitherto God has helped.” Don’t flinch, believer; let your heart know no fear. Pray boldly to God for this nation. You can trust Him; He has helped in times past and will again.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 27:3
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23
8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.
11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
20 As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?” 22 He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
