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9/3 Reading Portions: 1 Samuel 27; 1 Corinthians 8; Ezekiel 6; Psalm 44
Psalm 44:6
For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.
CONFIDENCE
The psalmist has already acknowledged in the third verse that it was “not by their own sword” that Israel had won the land, “nor did their own arm save them, but” victory for the people came by God’s right hand and arm, and the light of His countenance. That is, in the promise of the Messiah to come— and that, by God’s amazing grace, for God “delighted in them.” What further conclusion could the psalmist draw except that the weapons of warfare should not be trusted for God’s deliverance or salvation? Since it was not by the Israelite’s skill or prowess in weaponry that they conquered Jericho or possessed the land, we should not rely upon outward confidences in the gospel struggles of our spiritual lives. For example, before my voice had gone completely kaput, I would rather have not stuttered or stammered when I preached. Nevertheless, the most eloquent and practiced tongue means nothing if the Spirit is not moving with power in my words, and moreover, moving with power upon the hearing ear as well. The best of our deeds of mercy and grace toward others means little, or even nothing at all, if it is accomplished with an idolatrous heart or with motives that have nothing to do with bringing God glory through the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Such stuff is not submissive to the Holy Spirit. Spiritually speaking, if I learn to draw the bow or wield the sword against the unseen principalities and powers we wrestle with daily, even that activity must be exercised for God’s glory alone, trusting confidently in His power alone for all things, regardless of our performance; and regardless of the results, which are in God’s hand alone. True, biblical faith is an awesome, precious grace. It makes the most modest congregation beautiful, it makes the lisping or stammering preacher eloquent, and it makes the meekest Christian victorious. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
I do not trust in bow or sword,
Or in my skill that’s honed;
I trust in God’s most holy Word
And in Christ’s strength alone.