Devotions — Kristine Brown, Author

What does the Bible say about our battle cry?

There will be times in life when there seems to be no hope. When we’re being ambushed by the enemy from the front and from behind. Like Abijah, we can choose how we respond when we’re surrounded by the enemy. The example we see in King Abijah still applies to our battles today.

When surrounded by the enemy, we need to have a battle shout ready.

When the men of Judah saw that the situation looked bleak, they called out to the Lord. God hears our cries of anguish. He is there, even when we feel like the battle lines have forged a chasm we can’t cross. Nothing can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:35)

Knowing God will never leave us in battle helps us trust Him in every circumstance.

That’s a beautiful thought, but when a desperate situation comes crashing into our lives, it’s hard to hold onto that promise. However, if we know our battle shout, we will be ready when trouble comes.

When God heard the battle cry, He defeated Judah’s enemy. Sometimes, like in the battle King Abijah faced, we get to see God work immediately, taking down the enemy right before us. Other times, the outcome doesn’t turn out the way we think it will. It’s during those times we need to trust God to take care of it, regardless of what we see happening in the moment.

Are you facing a situation that seems hopeless? Have you questioned whether God hears you at all?

Let’s commit together today to develop our own personal battle shout. Let’s stand side-by-side, warriors believing and trusting in the God who loves us. And if doubt or fear threatens to take over, we will be ready.

Want to find your battle shout? Do you long to be ready when opposition comes? Check out these 5 Best Verses for Your Battle Shout.

“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6b ESV

mountains with text that says what to do when I pray but still feel down

I’d been praying about my situation for weeks. Friends were praying for me. Our pastors were praying too. But this particular Sunday when I walked into church, the pastor must’ve sensed my discouragement or seen it in the look on my face.

Discouragement has a way of changing our countenance.

During the worship service, he walked up to me and said words that he no doubt thought I needed to hear. Words that would encourage me and help me not feel so down. He said, “God’s got this. You know that, right?”

I nodded in agreement, although what I felt on the inside didn’t match the fake smile I attempted to create on the outside.

Why Do I Feel So Down When I Know God Is in Control?

Truthfully, I knew God had my situation all under control, but for some reason the pastor’s question kept coming back to me again and again. Did I really trust God with my situation? And if so, why was I still feeling down?

When we offer our most desperate prayer to God, we trust Him to work on our behalf with His love, mercy, and peace. We know we can rely on Him in our daily decisions and toughest challenges.

But honestly, when I come face to face with life’s biggest challenges, it’s hard to stay positive, even when I’ve given it to God in prayer.

David in the Bible knew this, as well.

In the verse above, David felt alone because of his circumstances. He had no one to turn to for prayer support. In fact, all his men were so distressed, they talked about taking it out on David.

When he had nowhere else to turn, he knew where to find encouragement.

“Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, ‘Bring me the ephod.’” (1 Sam. 30:7 NIV)

The Significance of the Ephod

”Bezalel made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen.“ Exodus‬ ‭39‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God chose Bezalel, a skilled craftsman, to oversee creation of the ephod and everything else needed for the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 39 gives us a description of these items and their importance to God’s people and their journey toward the land of promise.

David asked Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod because, “He desired to consult God.” In his distress, sending for the ephod signified David’s desire to spend time in the Lord’s presence, reminding himself of God’s promises.

Through the ephod, David was able to seek the Lord’s will for his situation. Even though surrounded by men weeping in despair, David turned to God and discovered His promise for certain victory over the enemy.

Sometimes in life we will be surrounded by the faithful prayers of family and friends. Our hearts will be uplifted as we know others are standing with us and holding us up in our trial.

Then there will be other times when we feel alone and unsure where to turn. Times when we’ve prayed, but we still feel discouraged. We shouldn’t feel any less spiritual when we pray but still feel down. In those moments, we need to guard our hearts against despair. Instead, we must encourage ourselves through what we already know to be true.

One promise I turn to again and again when I’ve prayed but still feel down is Philippians 4:19:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

God’s faithfulness lifts my spirits every time. It helps me encourage myself in the truth that the pastor wanted to remind me that day.

God’s got this. Even when I don’t feel it. Even when I’ve prayed and prayed but feel alone. Even when I can’t possible imagine a way out.

Let’s take our example from David today. We will have moments when we look at the world around us and get discouraged, but that doesn’t have to stop us from making the choice to seek the One who never fails us. God promises to provide for our needs, and we can trust Him.

Does God Hear My Battle Shout?

What does the Bible say about our battle cry?

Why Do I Feel So Down When I Know God Is in Control?

The Significance of the Ephod