GOD MAKES US ADEQUATE

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up" (Psalm 18:32-35)

WHEN THE NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS of spiritual life burst upon our conscience, we will find reason to be thankful for the adequacy provided in Christ Jesus. The places we are required to occupy are too lofty for natural abilities. The battles we are exhorted to fight are too demanding for the flesh. Our enemies are too formidable to be faced in the energy of flesh and blood. We require supernatural provisions – enablements that come from God alone. This Psalm announces God has provided such things, making us equal to the demands of spiritual life.

GIRDED WITH STRENGTH. To be "girded" is to be compassed with, or have something bound to you. In this case, Divine strength is wed to our persons, making us personally able to do things we could not do before. This is power to withstand evil, make advance, and obtain good.

OUR WAY MADE PERFECT. A way that is "perfect" is one marked by integrity and flawless character. It is one that is upright, spotless, and passes the test of Divine scrutiny. Such a person is not condemned by God, and will receive His blessing and approbation.

FEET LIKE HINDS' FEET. A hind was a form of mountain goat – an animal that occupied high and treacherous places. Its feet were adapted to these risky realms, so that it could walk about with safety and confidence. In fact, its enemies could not go where the hind went. His feet were, in a manner of speaking, his protection. In this respect, God has not only placed us in "heavenly places" (Eph 2:6), but made us able to navigate in those realms, obtaining the blessings that are found there, and there alone (Eph 1:3).

SET ON HIGH PLACES. High places were habitations of safety. Isaiah referred to such realms as "the munitions of rocks" (Isa 33:16) – a fortress of unshakable protection. From these "high places" we can clearly see and repel the advancement of the enemy. They are a place of safety and security, where the fear of the enemy is dissipated.

TAUGHT TO WAR. Just as in the realm of flesh and blood, spiritual warriors must be "taught to war." The tactics of earthly warfare do not apply to the good fight of faith. In Jesus we confront an unseen foe, and eternity is at stake. The Lord must teach us how to wage this war, for it is not "against flesh and blood." Rather, we are fighting against staggering spiritual forces that have dominated the world (Eph 6:12). The wisdom of men has no use in this war.

THE SHIELD OF SALVATION. The salvation of God is not only for deliverance, it is also for protection. Just as it effectively deals with the past, so it successfully addresses the present and the future. With all of his craftiness, Satan cannot get past salvation. It is a bulwark he cannot destroy.

HELD UP BY HIS RIGHT HAND. Even when the believer's battle is fierce and relentless, God is able to "make him stand" (Rom 14:4). When your strength runs out, His comes in. By saying "right hand," the loving preference of God is emphasized. He upholds you because He WANTS to!

WHAT A MARVELOUS ADEQUACY is found in Christ Jesus! You have good reason to be "strong in faith, giving glory to God."

– Given O. Blakely