The God of Angel Armies

Fear can cripple.  Fear can immobilize.  Fear can destroy.

Fear can rob you of the life you were intended to live and blind you from the invitation to live it.  Fear can zap and drain just like the first step I take into the mall (unless there’s an Apple store…of course).  It’s poison to our soul and grounds the spirit that was meant to soar.  And know this – it’s greatest thievery: fear will roadblock your worship and silence your praise.

Fear in itself is a choice.  When I was a kid, it was that which lurks in the dark.  As a teenager, it was rejection.  As an adult, it’s losing control (my family, my health, my home, my savings).  As circumstances of life change, we foresee an impending turn of events that leaves us penniless, homeless and lost at sea.  It could happen, ya know?  When offered the chance to stand for what’s right, we’re passive…for it might bring rejection.  It could happen, ya know?

It’s Mary cowering before Gabriel.  It’s the Hebrews cowering before the giants.  It’s Moses’ stuttering and David hiding in a cave.  It’s all through the Bible and nothing has really changed since.

We’re a fear mongering crew and given the right opportunity we hit the trail…Jack!

We lack courage!  We lack bravery!  We lack the steadfastness and stability of a warrior who stands his ground and never retreats – never gives up.  Overwhelming circumstances only make him stronger.

If looking for a dose of real courage, try these steps:

• Look in: Grasp a real understanding of who you are.  The Bible calls you royalty.  You’ve been given a suit of armor and a sword to do battle. (Ephesians 6)

• Look up: Be strong and courageous for the Lord is with you.  Your strength is not your own nor is it found in you.  If you are filled with the Spirit, wisdom is your guide.  Then and only then will courage lead you in the right direction and not be empowered by ego or spiritual immaturity.

• Look out: See your life, your surroundings through a Biblical perspective.  What do you have to lose? “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Luke 16:25 & 26

The Bible tells us that we have a battle around us and within us.  We have a formidable enemy who lays traps of fear at every junction of every day.  Yet, the Bible also gives a name of the one we follow: The Lion of Judah.  He is strong, fierce in battle and courageous.

If you’re tired of living an empty life of fear and anxiety…then try a dose of courage.   Stand tall, firm and immoveable.

Tomlin captured it well:

I know Who goes before me

I know Who stands behind

The God of angel armies is always on my side

The One who reigns forever

He is a Friend of mine

The God of angel armies Is always by my side