Ever feel like you’re just fighting to hang on, like each day is a battle?
“The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war.
They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. And when they prevailed over them [literally, “they were helped against them,”], the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him.” 1 Chronicles 5:18-20
I love how in this account, the people of God cry out to God “in the battle”. They are in the thick of it, getting tired, wearing down, perhaps on the brink of disaster. It’s then, in their darkest hour, that their desperate plea is to Yahweh the Savior of Israel and God RESPONDS! He doesn’t require lengthy preparations. He doesn’t require extensive ceremonies. He RESPONDS to the desperation and need of His people!
Second, in the midst of the battle, HOW does God respond? Like this: “עזר”
The Hebrew word used to indicate divine assistance is “‛âzar”, and the most literal translation of it is “to surround”.
I love how in the midst of the battle, God’s people cry out for help and He doesn’t delegate. He doesn’t hang back and send a lightning bolt. When His people need Him, God comes down, draws near and gets INVOLVED.
He “surrounds” them with His presence and protection.
Be encouraged! God responds when His people cry out to Him, and He isn’t afraid to come down and get in the thick of it, both WITH you and FOR you.
Will you cry out to Him?
What areas of your life do you need God to “surround” you?
