Stalwart Confidence

 "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident." Psalm 27:3

    As the Nazis descended upon Poland, a young Jewish girl fled the ghetto and hid within a cave. Tragically, she died before the liberation by Allied forces, yet this testament to her faith was found etched on the cave wall: "I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. And I believe in God even when He is silent." 

    How could this young girl join the psalmist in having such confidence under incredible duress? It's because they relied on the characteristics of their God and Savior, not on their surrounding circumstances. 

    When nasty King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened Jerusalem, he ridiculed the Living God by claiming He was unable to rescue His people. He sought to terrify them and instill fear, but their king, Hezekiah, took action. He consulted his officials, blocked off the water supply from the enemy, worked hard to repair broken sections of the wall and made an cache of weapons. Then he assembled the citizens of Jerusalem and encouraged them with these words: "'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles'. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said." (2Chronicles 32:7,8)

    Though the opposing forces in our society revile, rant and revolt the loudest, God sees the boastful arrogance demonstrated against His church and we can rest assured that He will (and does) fight our battles, though it may seem He is silent. I took great heart when I studied about the confidence that is ours to approach the throne of mercy for help in our time of need. I hope you do as well.

    In case you were wondering what became of the people of Judah, the "Lord sent an angel who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officials in the camp of the Assyrian king." (2 Chronicles 32:21) Did you catch that? ONE angel vs. a vast army of braggart oppressors. Remember that when your confidence wanes.

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27: 13. 14