Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: This Side of Paradise (not about the book) (07/14/11)
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TITLE: The Weary Soldier's Prayer | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ennis Smith
07/19/11 -
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It was the last thing I wanted to do, as I spent most of the week reeling from one problem to the next. He knew I had taken my focus off his ever watchful eye, and taken up the stance of self preservation. He knew I had retreated into my spiritual man-cave, to plot out my own retaliatory strategy. He knew my eyes needed to return toward the loving gaze of his face.
I can’t handle my earthly problems on my own. I need the Lord’s supernatural strength to beat the devil at his own game. Buried neck deep in fear and frustration, I forgot that the best way to fight Satan is to call on the Lord for help.
Between prayer and praise, the Lord guided my fingers to chicken peck-type my way through this psalm.
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“Father God, I am overwhelmed by the trials of this world
My enemies are an invisible legion, attacking at will
Satan mocks my faith; he harasses my soul with never ending torture
My strength waivers under his terrible pressure
At every turn, he tempts me with his poisonous promises
My eyes behold his blatant evil every day, and my heart groans for reprieve
The fire of my spirit has all but extinguished; I am spent, O Lord
The evil one’s victory over your servant is at hand
"Yet, I will not concede, for you are everlasting
Though darkness imminently falls, this side of paradise
You bid me to hang on for just a while longer
The veil of separation between my world and heaven is within reach
Your word breathes fresh air into my dusty lungs, purifying them
Your grace washes the grime of this world from my eyes, allowing me to see
Your anointing empowers my fatigued muscles, enabling me to resist Satan’s press
Your favor re-energizes my spirit, inspiring me to turn the tide against the legion of darkness
"I sing praises to the most high; I shout halleluiah toward the heavens
You have not forsaken me, O Lord; you have not abandoned your servant
I cried out to you in anguish, and you heard my pleas
I begged for your mercy, and you heard my desperation
I cowered in fear of the enemy, and you protected me from harm
O Lord, you alone are my eternal shepherd; I shall forever follow your lead
My God, you are my immovable rock; you lift me for protection against passing evil
Heavenly father, you are my closest friend; you light my path through the valley of darkness
"I thank you for the blessings not yet perceived
I thank you for the restoration of my peace, in advance
I thank you for walking me through the fires of discomfort, to reshape me
I thank you for the future call, you are preparing me for"
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Here, now…at the end…I remember that all things are possible through the Lord. I remember that God doesn’t give you anything you cannot overcome. I also remember that all things work toward the greater good, in God’s ultimate plan.
If this psalm reads like terrible poetry or horrible song verse, I don’t mind. It helped me to refocus on our Savior. My hope is that it speaks to at least one person, who just might be facing a trial in life.
Have faith friend. From time to time, we Christian soldiers lose sight of the goal. We are bogged down by the external forces of Satan’s realm. But our Lord never leaves us weary and alone, to face the challenges without him. Through faithfully enduring the struggles, we are remade: stronger, wiser, and closer to the Lord than we were before. Keep the faith.
Though we may grow tired and take our eyes away from the Lord, he helps us to find our way back to him. He revitalizes the weary soldier, so that we may continue to press forward, through him. All praise is due to Jesus. Glory be thy name. Amen.
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The last four lines are a very positive confession that lift the whole tone. Well done.
I enjoyed both in their raw honesty and was uplifted by the read!