Training for Battle
Posted on: June 7, 2016
- In: Everyday Life | Faith | Family | Marriage | Parenting | Pro-Life | Social Justice
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Whether the battle is large or small, we need to prepare ourselves mentally and physically to face it. We need to carry the right gear and know how to use it.
I’m not talking about an armed conflict but rather about the struggles we face every day: our efforts to keep our children safe, protect our marriage, defend our beliefs, or stand up for others’ rights.
King David knew that he needed God’s help to face the conflicts in his life, such as King Saul’s efforts to capture and kill him or the attempts of his sons to take the throne:
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
my mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge (…).
~ Psalm 144:1-2*
We can turn to God for comfort, for a safe place to cry out in pain or anger, for forgiveness when we act and react in the wrong ways. But he can also prepare us to do battle when necessary:
- to put an end to the bullying or cyberbullying of our children
- to secure the health care or educational assistance our children need
- to help our spouse deal with an addiction or another health issue
- to stand up for our right to practise our faith
- to speak out on behalf of those who are persecuted or in need
God can give us the tools we need, such as the wisdom to know when to speak or listen, the words to say, empathy to help us see another person’s perspective, courage to make the right choice and take the necessary step or steps forward, and perseverance to resolve the situation.
When we find ourselves needing to do battle, may we remember “The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
(*Scripture quotes taken from the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition.)
A Catholic Convert in Ottawa 