A Sword and A Song

Daily Gratitude Year 6- Day 95: Today, I am grateful for a sword and a song. 

Ephesians 6:17 defines our swords: "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

"A sword is a balanced, like a tuning instrument. Sometimes all it take is a song to tip the battle in your favor. -Lisa Bevere, "Girls With Swords" 

Do we look for balance in our days? I think balance is very important. I don't always achieve it. 

Jesus attempted to balance time in prayer with the many needs of those around him. His desire to teach all he could in his short ministry season, to heal and restore those who came in faith and to not neglect fellowship time with the Father. His days were long and quite full. 

It is easy to become overwhelmed in this busy age. Has every generation before us believed themselves to be the busiest and most overbooked? It is quite likely that they have. So, how do we manage the madness to do the most for the Savior in our days? 

We must never underestimate the power of "the sword" or the power of prayer. When we know the scriptures and use them in our prayers, we grow in hope and understanding. Nothing is impossible with God. 

We find peace where there was anxiety. We find joy where there was frustration. Add a song of praise into the mix... and we can provide the Lord and irresistible open invitation to come closer. He wants to come closer... to be with us. 

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you."-Zechariah 2:10-11

We are to carry a sword and a song to all people, sharing the Good News of Christ. 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”-Matthew 28:19-20

With a sword and a song, we go. Encouraged and equipped. What song will you sing when the battle is on? What scripture will restore your breath, clarity and strength? 

There is an old Amy Grant song,"In A Little While", that still echoes in my heart during stormy  or difficult times. "In a little while we'll be with the Father, can't you see him smile? In a little while we'll be home forever, in a while. We're just here to learn to love Him. We'll be home in just a little while." 

We're just here to learn to love Him... to share the good news... and to make and encourage other disciples, until he comes to take us home. The time in this world feels precious, short and it is. It should be fruitful, but we are just passing through. Our home is with Him. 

Today, I am grateful for a sword and a song.