Psalms 59:1-17 KJV
(1) To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
(2) Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
(3) For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
(4) They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
(5) Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
(6) They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
(7) Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
(8) But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
(9) Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
(10) The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
(11) Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
(12) For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
(13) Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
(14) And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
(15) Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
(16) But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
(17) Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

David in battle seen his men die as well as live. He fought beside them to defeat the enemy of God’s people. Yet war was for protection. Today we celebrate all Saints day remember both the survivors of persecution and war and those who lived to old age carrying the torch. The battle of faith is not one of sword of battle in a war of human origin. It is a battle of the Spirit fought with the sword of the Spirit of God. Persecution is fleshly, and battle scars of the flesh are either healable, or lead to death and complete healing.

The journey with God in battle of faith is not without mockery or pain. Yet it common to other groups, but not spiritually common. The Holy Spirit enables a believer to hit it target with words of truth about faith so others can know Him for themselves. Our witness is not the battle field of land, or governing authority. It is about the ability to show mercy where revenge would be normal response. To love beyond our human capabilities.

This Psalm is about battle something David dealt with as King. As a King He cried out to His God to help him in his daily task. There was no witnesses during this battle, but it was who was bigger and braver. Yet God can use battle to show who is really in authority like in the time of Gideon with very few men. One battle in the Old Testament was won by singing to the Lord and marching right into the enemies camp. David was skilled fighter it was part of his duty to protect Israel. If David lost a battle would it had been because God was not on his side. No of course not. That is the point I am making. God is on our side even when we are fighting human battles in life whether we are right or wrong. He uses the bad to teach us and the good to instill right way of doing things.

I can not imagine claiming we won the battle except on judgment day with Christ before us against our enemy. Men have died fighting praying in their heart, knowing there time had come to a close. God is with us no matter what. However do we choose to listen to Him and follow His Spirit is the question. This all Saints day let think of the lives those before us teaching different things to us so perhaps we are able to go on when we fall knowing the mercy of God and repentance is all we need to do for forgiveness. Asking God to help us in every aspect of our life. To help us to choose wisely the battles we fight as well as the task and jobs we do.

Those dying because of faith are dying because someone was a bigot of our faith and used it to war against us. That is a terrorism against a group of people. If it is terrorism we have to ask why, and it is because we are in opposition to their way of life, and liberty to destroy us. They desire to fulfill their liberty by killing our rights and freedom. Yet we have to be careful not to do the same thing.

Dear Heavenly Father as we celebrate those before us that took at stand in faith despite those who tried to destroy the faith Christ, and continue to do so, giver us courage and the working of the Holy Spirit to fulfill your will in our life and lives of others by spreading the Gospel of Love through Christ Jesus. In Jesus precious name, Amen.