“… and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)

Imagine you are a soldier in battle, with heavy armor, including a shield and sword. Your army is battling a formidable opponent, and spirits are low. You are outnumbered. Waves of fiery arrows from the enemy have created fear and division in the ranks. Your comrades are barely hanging on, and hopes of winning are slim. But your army stands its ground, refusing to give up, knowing its cause is a worthy one.

View Comments (1)

Join others crying out to the Lord day and night.

Suddenly, someone near you yells, “Look behind you!”  You turn to see enemy reinforcements riding in on horseback and closing fast. For the first time since the battle began, panic explodes like a bomb. Soldiers scream and are paralyzed. This new band of warriors cannot be overcome. It’s over. Your side is finished. But then—without warning—an expansive light fills the void between your army and the sleek horses. It is bright and beautiful beyond words. Blazing light bounces off your armor, as the moon’s light reflects the sun’s brilliance. The enemy gropes in sudden darkness, blinded by the dazzling brightness. Their horses rear up in confusion, and their foot soldiers flee. The Father of Lights has shown up to fight for you! A few minutes later, all is quiet. The picture is clear: the battle is over, and your side has won.

In today’s verse, God says that if we obey His commands, “…righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” Our righteousness “goes before us” to help defeat the enemy and gain ground for the Kingdom of God. The sword of the Word fends off our foe, and our shield of faith blocks the fiery arrows that would otherwise take us out. Sometimes, though, when life gets tough and reserves are low, we get overwhelmed. We feel surrounded, defeated, and weary of doing good. It is in these moments that God shows up to fight for us. Our Lord Jesus, in heaven, is constantly interceding on our behalf. At the moment we are weakest, God shows His strength. He’s literally a friend who’s “got our back”! (By Julie Hamner)

In your time seeking God today:

• Think about the some of the battles raging in your life and in your mind. Are you weary in any area? Ask God to help you make wise and righteous choices as you fight the good fight of faith. Remind Him of His promise in Isaiah 58 to be your rear guard when you are worn out from battle.
• Thank Father that He fought the battle for your soul and won!  Praise Jesus because He is constantly interceding for you even now.
• Thank Him that you always are given a way out when temptation comes.
• Remember always that in New Testament terms, our Lord has already won the battle though the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven, where He prays for His own.

Related Scripture:

• Exodus 14:9; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 6:10-18

Fasting and the Heart of God Full PDF Version

Did you like this article? If so, share it!

(Photo Credit: Katsia Jazwinska on Unsplash)