Intro: It is not uncommon to hear of a nation who boasts about the power of its armies and military weapons. Watch the news and it will become apparent just how overly confident (faithlessly wicked) some leaders are in their own human strength and abilities. If you like history, review the past and read up about what happens to overly confident leaders; in time they fall, self-slaughter, or are destroyed. Of course, believers recognize this as truth, because God’s Word tells us: “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Prov 16:18). Humility and obedience before God—fear of the Lord—is always the position of the wise (Ps 149:4). Sadly, I rarely see the fear of the Lord in government leaders. Actually, in the Spirit, I see many of the world’s leaders shaking their fists in defiance against God.
Our passage today is a songful prayer written by King David who is about to lead Israel into a battle instigated by the Ammonites—a battle that has not been anticipated (2 Sam 10). So, David prays and asks the Lord to give his humble warriors the victory; to strengthen and save them. Clearly, David does not trust in the same strategies as the leaders of other nations. Therefore, David reveals a huge contrast in leadership, because he trusts God abundantly more than what human strength can ever accomplish. David has been pushed into a spiritual war, so he/his ambassadors lead the people to call upon the name of the Lord for salvation.
We are all engaged in a spiritual war of some kind; this war cannot be won through human strength or weaponry. Our first line of defense should be to pray and ask the Lord for wisdom, revelation, and divine strength to navigate the battle. We must humbly place our trust in Jesus who makes a righteous way for us to be successful; to bring the resources of the Kingdom to our aid (Mat 6:33). Faith is essential and we use it through prayer and by thanking God for the victory yet to come. Trusting God works! Depending upon God for guidance is wise! Humility in leadership brings God’s anointing for victory! I am so very grateful for Jesus—the Anointed One—who continually brings salvation to his own.
Psalm 20:7-8
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Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
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Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive us for being a prideful creation. We can do nothing without You; we have no strength that can sustain our flesh. Our very breath is given by You. Holy Spirit, please bring humility to humanity and overshadow the world’s leaders with Your righteousness. I pray for the leaders of this nation, as well as the leaders of all nations, to bow before Your throne in fear and awe. I pray for the Ukrainian government and people; please save them and fight for them, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.