Because of the Battle
To recognize the battle is to see God.
In a glimpse of His mercy or by a breath of His kindness, you will see Him in the battle. Because of the battle. Through the peace of His presence or from the calm of His voice, you will see Him in the battle. Because of the battle.
Always because of the battle.
For when you recognize the very real battle, the battle that’s raging strong right there in front of you, right there within you, right there around you, then you will see God. The battle belongs to the LORD, so to see the battle is to see God.
That disagreement that starts again and again over those minor, insignificant details, it’s really a battle to be heard and appreciated, to know your life is valued and of worth. Remember to “…listen to the Lord who created you..., ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1 NLT).
That hurt that won’t go away and causes you to lash out in anger when triggered, it’s really a battle to be forgiven and to forgive, to walk unashamed and free of guilt. Remember, “You were dead because of your sins... Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14 NLT).
That habit that takes hold of you and consumes your every thought, it’s really a battle to rest and be at peace, to know your life is accepted, with all of its weaknesses. Remember, “…the promise of entering [God’s] rest still stands…” (Hebrews 4:1), “…he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ … he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault” (Colossians 1:22 NLT).
That heavy weight that drags you down and tires you out and won’t ever give you relief, it’s really a battle to let go of control and let be, to fully surrender your life into God’s hands. Remember, “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). Now may you declare of God as Job did, “ I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2).
That shame that causes you to hide and shrink in defense, it’s really a battle of righteousness, to have life and not death, freedom and not slavery, rest and not turmoil. It’s the battle to know you are loved, deeply, unconditionally, and forever loved by God. Remember, “[Jesus] came that [we] may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Now choose life that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:19)!
For the battle is real. The battle to be known and loved, to forgive and be forgiven. The battle to find worth in your life and purpose for your life and righteousness because of life. The battle to surrender into God’s hands. It is so very real. And in the very real battle of life, you will see God, always in the battle, because of the battle.
Recognize the battle and see God. It’s where the battle is won!
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“On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:7-8 ESV
“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” - Psalm 62:1-2 NLT