Psalm 144:1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.

David experienced more physical battles than most civilians do, but all of us experience spiritual battles, whether we recognize them as such or not. Pacifism is not an option, spiritually speaking! Ephesians 6 is the most famous passage on the subject, but the Bible deals with it many times from many different angles. Physical battle can make us sharply aware of our dependence on God. It has famously been said that there are no atheists in foxholes. However, when it comes to spiritual battle, many people are ironically oblivious of their need to depend on God. Logically, the opposite should be true! At any rate, there is a gem of truth hidden in this verse that I don’t think I ever noticed before. David speaks of God training his hands and his fingers. Hands and fingers are certainly important, but the power comes from the arms. I doubt that David knew much of physiology, but there are no muscles in the fingers and hands at all. There are plenty of ligaments and tendons, but the muscles that pull them to produce motion are in the arms. Likewise, we are to be active in service and obedience to God, but the power to accomplish things comes not from us but from God. Physically speaking, if disease or injury damages the connection between, say, a finger and its muscles, then disability results. If we fail to maintain right connection to God, then spiritual disability results. Just as in the physical, practice makes perfect. (Hebrews 5:14) However, we must not forget that the power comes from God.

This is a beautiful illustration of important truth, and I need to ask the Lord how He wants me to use it. As David recognized, the training also comes from God, and I need to accept and apply the training He gives me. Yesterday was good training in preaching for Hiroki Kawata, and he gave a good message. It was a joy to interpret for Him! As a pastor, I am to be actively involved in training the believers, equipping them with skills to do the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-12) It was joy indeed to hear a testimony/prayer request from one believer yesterday about no longer being a silent, “hidden” Christian, but being bold in proclaiming Christ even to those closest to her. Moments like that remind me that it is indeed all worth it, and the power comes from God.

Father, thank You again for all You are doing in this church, in each individual and in the body as a whole. Help us all submit to You with joy, allowing You to train us as well as strengthen and protect us, so that we may be effective instruments in Your hands, accomplishing Your will on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!