“Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.””
II Samuel 10:11-12 NKJV
David’s act of kindness was repaid in a rather unkind way when the Hanun shamed David’s men by shaving their beards and cutting off their clothes. Unfortunately, Hunan’s advisors wrongly judged David’s motives and their error led them into a battle in which they would be defeated.
With the lines drawn and the men arrayed for battle, Joab, one of David’s men, encouraged his brother, Abishai, and those with them with the words above.
I find it interesting that the same Hebrew word is used twice in the passage above:
ḥāzaq – be firm = courageous, confident
ḥāzaq – put forth strength, use one’s strength
The KJV translates it this way: “Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.”
2 Samuel 10:12 KJV
Joab’s was telling the men with him be strong in mind – get your head right – then act.
In order to have victory, thoughts and actions have to be an alignment. Generals don’t rush into battle without a plan. We cannot do one without the other. We cannot physically or spiritually overcome if our thoughts are not in alignment with His word.
The Proverbs “as a man thinks in his heart so is he”(23:7, KJV) comes to mind. Our thoughts have to be aligned with G-d if we ever want to overcome what we are facing and battling in the spiritual world, for ourselves, our families, and our loved ones. We have to align our thoughts with His Word. We have to take our thoughts captive and pull down anything that contradicts His truth.
If we want to win the spiritual battle, it’s time to “Man Up” and act as mature believers. It’s time to take action and trust in the One who is our champion. After all, we know how this will end – He will win the war.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalms 20:7 AMP
Father – thank You for fighting for me. I trust in You and Your unfailing Word. Mature my mind and spirit to walk in Your ways. Align my thoughts with Your Truth and my steps with Your ways. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 10, I Chronicles 19, Psalms 20