Oriented to God by Faith

At some point we've all probably done it:  inserted the batteries the wrong direction in a toy, torch or remote control and it did not work properly.  Even when we know batteries need to be in a particular orientation to work, we can still make this simple mistake.  I wonder how many functional items have been discarded due to operator error because batteries were incorrectly installed.

I remember how amazing it was when our family bought a TV that used a remote.  It was far more convenient to turn on the TV or flip through channels while sitting on the couch rather than standing up all the time.  Today there are a myriad of battery powered tools that enable us to do work we cannot perform by hand.  Without a correctly fitted, charged battery, these tools cannot perform the function they were designed for.  A drill can be used as a paperweight, but that is not helpful for drilling holes or countersinking screws.  Imagine, that a person might be content to use a drill as a doorstop because it served their own purpose--ignorant of the power, usefulness and purpose of the tool.

King David had a relationship with the almighty, living God by faith in Him.  In Psalm 28, David identified God as "O LORD my Rock."  He said in Psalm 28:7-8, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. ⁸ The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed."  Because God does not change, what He was for David He also is for us and all those who trust Him.  It is faith and trust in God and Who He is that enables us to recognise and rejoice in the LORD Who is our strength, shield and saving refuge.  Without faith in God, He will not be our strength, shield and saving refuge even though He is all these things in Himself.  Like the battery enables us to receive the benefit of a remote control or tool, so faith orients us properly to the LORD to receive His help.

Can you affirm the LORD is your strength, shield and saving refuge?  You can if you are born again by faith in Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit.  2 Corinthians 1:21-22 affirms, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, ²² who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."  There are undoubtedly many people who have no idea God could be their strength, shield and saving refuge--even among believers.  Knowing Who God is and faith in Him enables us to experience this reality today.  When you face conflict in your life and realise you are weak, vulnerable and helpless in yourself, remember Who God is:  He is your strength, shield, saving refuge and infinitely more.  The LORD is sufficient for all we face by His amazing grace.