Yesterday we highlighted King David’s successes on the battlefield from 2 Samuel chapters 8 and 10. It turns out my son David (no relation to King David that I know of!) is also reading 2 Samuel, and he passed on some excellent observations from chapter 10 that are too good not to share. Here’s part of what he wrote:

The Lord is always aware of our situations, our battles. Whether they are of our own making, battles he puts us in, or we are up against other sinful people. We may just be wrestling with a particular decision, one that is driven by choice. In other words, doing something or not doing something that is not inherently sinful or against Christian principles, but we still seek out God’s wisdom in what to do. When we find ourselves in these situations, God often wants us to keep “fighting,” understanding the outcome will ultimately be in his hands. Let me provide a great biblical example:

In 2 Samuel 10, there is a battle being waged. David sends his leader of the army, Joab, and his mighty men to fight. Joab realizes there are opposing forces in front and to the rear. It doesn’t take a military veteran like me to understand this is not a favorable situation. Joab sends some of his best men on one front, while the rest he sends with his brother Abishai to the other front. Joab tells Abishai:

If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him. (2 Samuel 10.11, 12, ESV, emphasis mine)

Let’s cut to the end. The Lord granted them victory. But I was struck by a couple of things. First, Joab engaged an intentional and intelligent battle strategy. Second, he motivated his army (“Be of good courage….”). Ultimately, he recognized that victory or defeat against a significant opposing army would rest with the Lord (“…may the Lord do what seems good to him.”).

Have you ever encountered someone whose life was frozen? It is often frozen by fear, worry, or anxiety (synonyms for the same issue). But they are believers. They know those things are not of the Lord. So, they’ll tell you, “I’m waiting on the Lord.” How are you going to argue that, right? They know that, too. Don’t get me wrong, if a spiritually mature person really has received communication or guidance from the Lord to wait, that can be very legitimate. However, there are times that God wants us to fight. To plan. To strategize. To keep moving forward. All the while, we bathe the process in prayer, reading of His Word, pursuing wisdom directly from the Lord, as well as good counsel from those we trust. In the end, we say with confidence, “May the Lord do what seems good to him.” – David Ewell, May 2, 2024

A good word, David. Thanks for sharing.

Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors…Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.” (Joshua 1.6, 9, MSG)