As I wrote yesterday, Pastor Laura at The Way Middleton Church is doing a summer series about David and as she spoke about the removal of Saul as King of Israel (preparing the way for David), I heard a couple things I wanted to share.
“The Battle is the Lord’s!” God had always dwelt with Israel under the banner “The Battle is the Lord’s.” Saul, however, believed the battle was his, that it was his reputation on the line in winning or losing. That colored all his decisions and choices. (one of Pastor Laura’s points.)
“The Battle is the Lord’s!” When I heard that I immediately asked myself if that is how I respond to the threats that often come in life. Or do I respond with fear. After all, fear and its close cousin anxiety are the normal emotions in response to a danger or threat.
The physiological and psychological response to threats and fear is called “Fight or Flight.” It is defined as 1) Fight: facing any perceived threat aggressively, 2) Flight: running away from the danger, 3) Freeze: unable to move or act against a threat, and 4) Fawn: immediately acting to try to please to avoid any conflict.
In the Old Testament, however, there was another way to respond to threats and fear. It was to “Stand and see.”
Exodus 14:13: “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.”
1 Samuel 12:16: “Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes.”
2 Chronicles 20:17: “Now therefore, stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes.”
In the New Testament, Ephesians 6 reminds us to pick up the armor of God and stand in the power of God. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Threats in life produce fear. Fear demands a response. Will we choose “Fight or Flight” or will we choose, “The Battle is the Lord’s” and stand strong in Him?
