I like to ensure that I get to read the word daily. I find that when my thoughts and mood get attacked as I wake, it is important in those moments to take my stand. Take this morning for example…

So, as I woke, I felt a very subtle feeling of dissatisfaction/unease within me. There was no reason for it, in fact in many ways it is destined to be a good day as I am visiting family. But yet still this subtle feeling was there, just hovering in the background. I was still feeling tired but I knew I had to take a stand against the feeling (some feelings can quickly become negative voices) and fight the voice that was saying – “Do it later, you don’t have to do it now”; “it’s Saturday, you should make the most of an opportunity to lie in, don’t waste that chance, pray later”; “what will an hour or so matter?” EVERYTHING!!! The Holy Spirit said – Hallelujah!

I have learnt – through many defeats I may add – to seize the moment for now is usually the acceptable time (2 Corinthians 6:2) when it comes to such matters. Don’t put off until later what you can do now (with extra effort if needed); so I began to declare God’s truths over my life and that of my family as I was lying down in bed. Truths such as:

“I have not been given (by God) a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given me a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]” 2 Timothy 1:7 (paraphrased).

And,

“Satan you and your foes are defeated and Jesus disarmed you and the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], Jesus made a public example of you [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through [a]the cross…and so you have no authority over me or my mind” Colossians 2:15 (paraphrased).

It was after this initial skirmish that I next gave thanks to and spoke with Abba Father (Psalm 100:1&2), aka ‘Prayer’.

I asked the Father what scriptures He had in mind for me today and I heard Him say “20”, “Psalm 20” from within my spirit. Once I had read and prayerfully read through it, I felt to share that Psalm with you. Why? Because I sense that many of you are going through spiritual battles, which are outworking/playing out themselves through natural matters and situations; and that some of you may need to be reminded that it is as we put God first, seek to live our lives according to His ways and His will and place our concerns on what concerns Him, that He will fight our battles as He did for King David and many others.

As you read the scripture, make it a prayer to God on your own behalf. Place your name where it refers to king David (highlighted in blue), seek God’s will and His kingdom purposes first and foremost in your life and see just how He will fight your battles, bless you and your families, and use you as a vessel of honour and glory for His purposes.

Remember, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” Ephesians 6:12.

So, as you read and pray through Psalm 20, it is a wicked spiritual army that uses the unrighteous, the unsaved that you are battling, not human beings.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

Psalm 20 Amplified Bible (AMP)

^[a]May the Lord answer you (David) in the day of trouble!

May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high [and defend you in battle]!

² May He send you help from the sanctuary (His dwelling place)

And support and strengthen you from Zion!

³ May He remember all your meal offerings

And accept your burnt offering. Selah.

⁴ May He grant you your heart’s desire

And fulfill all your plans.

⁵ We will sing joyously over your victory,

And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.

May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

⁶ Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;

He will answer him from His holy heaven

With the saving strength of His right hand.

⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.

⁸ They have bowed down and fallen,

But we have risen and stood upright.

⁹ O Lord, save [the [b]king];

May the [c]King answer us in the day we call.

Footnotes:

a) Psalm 20:1 Verses 1-5, 9 is the prayer of intercession voiced by the congregation before David goes into battle.

b) Psalm 20:9 I.e. David.

c) Psalm 20:9 I.e. Lord.

God bless you,

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (New Living Translation)

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’