The Contender

Below is another addition to my "latest devotional prayers" that can be found on the sidebar of my website at www.respitefortheweary.com. For those of you who feel as if you are in the midst of a spiritual battle right now, this is for you to claim over your heart today:

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me…   Psalm 35:1

God, You are my Contender.  Draw out Your whole arsenal, Mighty One. It’s time for You to act. Yes, gird Your sword on Your thigh, in Your splendor and Your majesty…and fight for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness…You, King of Glory, are strong and mighty, You are the Lord mighty in battle.  I cry to You for help because my enemy steals, my enemy kills, and my enemy destroys; and he plagues my heart and mind with confusion, falsehood, and doubt. Please, O my King, send Your sharp arrows into the heart of this enemy; crush this discourager; pierce through this liar. Let him and his tactics not have their way with me, O God—not one thought, not one emotion, not one heartbeat. Yes, fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of Your buckler and Your shield and rise up for my help. Draw also Your spear and Your battle axe to meet those who pursue me. Thank You, God of Might.  You are the defense of my life, whom shall I be afraid? …Of this I am confident: You will fight for me while I keep silent… I will put my trust in You…And I will rejoice in You as You tread my enemy under Your foot. Indeed, how I love the One Who contends for me.

Psalm 119:126; Psalm 45:3-4; Psalm 24: 8; John 10:10; Psalm 45:5; Psalm 35:1-3; Psalm 27:1; Exodus 14:14; Psalm 56:3; Romans 16:20