Peace on the Battlefield

Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.  

Yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness. 

Selah. [Pause and calmly think of that!]  I would hasten to escape 

and find shelter from the stormy wind and tempest 

(Psalm 55:6-8 Amp. Bible)

Have you ever felt that way?  With a desire to be free, even for just one day?  Floating aimlessly above the earth in a hot air balloon, in utter silence except for the soft swish of hot air being released to take you higher? Or retreating to a mountain wilderness where the only sounds are of water gurgling over mossy rocks, gentle breezes playing through fragrant pines, or a squirrel chattering to alert his mate of your presence?

Away from schedules and demands.  Relaxing.  Taking in the beauty of God’s world.  Enjoying the gentle companionship of loved ones.  Doesn’t it sound wonderful?  Isn’t it too bad that few, if any, such opportunities present themselves?

In comparison, life is often harried and rushed.  We feel pushed and pulled this way and that, with seldom enough hours in the day to comfortably meet every demand. Life sometimes takes on more the nature of a battlefield than a drifting ride or a quiet hike.  We become enmeshed in the struggle to be everything to everybody all of the time.

David, the author of many of the psalms, must have felt this way at times.  He often found himself in the middle of a battlefield, figurative or actual.  But, in spite of the enemies and adversities he experienced, his writings are filled with references to God’s faithfulness:

Morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, 

and He will hear my voice.  He has redeemed my life in peace 

from the battle that was against me…behold, God is my helper and ally; 

the Lord is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life 

(Psalm 55:17-18; 54:4 Amp. Bible)

Hectic days.  Sleepless nights.  Medical issues.  Financial worries. Frayed nerves.  Demanding boss.  Unkind coworkers.  Unfaithful friend or spouse.  He understands it all:

                                     For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize 

                                 with our weaknesses,but was in all points tempted as we are, 

                            yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need 

(Hebrews 4:15-16)

The very same help that David experienced is available to us today when we put our trust in Jesus,  the Prince of Peace Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

So we may boldly say: “the Lord is my Helper 

(Hebrews 13:5-6)

Lord, peace in the middle of a hectic world?

Silence when insults at me are hurled?

Calm and serene when the winds blow fierce? 
When careless deeds my heart would pierce?
Impossible?  Yes, when I go it alone;
when I’m trying to do it all on my own.
But when my life to You I yield,
I truly find peace on the battlefield.