Confidence in the Face of Battle

In “Confidence in the Face of Battle,” Psalm 27 reminds us that when the Lord is our light, salvation, and stronghold, we can stand steady amid conflict and refuse to let fear rule our hearts.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life … Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident” (Psalm 27:1–3).

As a military leader, Thomas Stonewall Jackson was known for being fearless. His lack of fear enabled him to be confident, bold, and daring in battle. His fearlessness endeared him to his soldiers in the Confederate army during the American Civil War. And fearlessness made him feared by the armies he opposed.

How could he be so fearless? Because of his absolute trust in God. He refused to consider the possibility that God was not with him.

Jackson had developed a statement of principle that governed his actions: “Never take counsel of your fears.” What did he mean? Although he recognized that all of us are afraid at times, he saw that we shouldn’t dwell on any fear or allow fear to influence our decisions or course of conduct.

David, too, was known for being fearless in battle. Because he trusted in the Lord, he had no reason to be afraid. Like Jackson, he was filled with confidence. His heart rejoiced in the salvation God promised. He confessed that the Lord was his light and salvation and “the stronghold of my life.”

Today, is there something that causes you to be afraid? Death? Work? Financial problems? Sickness? Other people? World conditions? The future? God doesn’t want your life to be dominated by any of these fears. He wants you to trust in Him and make Him your light and salvation—the stronghold of your life.

Reflection Question: Are you letting fear guide your choices?