Is There a Battle Ahead?

I woke up this morning with the chorus of this song/hymn singing in my head. Now, I haven’t heard this song in a long time, but it is an old  favorite of mine.

And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England’s mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) On England’s pleasant pastures seen? And did the Countenance Divine Shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here Among those dark Satanic mills? Bring me my bow of burning gold: Bring me my arrows of desire: Bring me my spear: O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! (Elijah) I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land.

 

The lyrics from the chorus command:

“Bring me my bow of burning gold: Bring me my arrows of desire: Bring me my spear: O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land.”

The intro to the chorus brings a lump to my throat and tears to my heart. The words and sentiments open the floodgates. What is it that causes such depth of emotion? Deep calling unto deep? For those who do not know what that is? It is the Spirit of God moving over the waters of my innermost being, and the Spirit of God in me responding. 

I heard: Give me my bow of burning gold, give me my arrows of desire, give me my spear, O clouds unfold! Give me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor will my sword sleep in my hand…

And I respond, “I will not back away Lord. Equip me, and help me stand.” 

What about you? Are you facing a fight today? Is there some dark, dread-filled cloud hanging over you? Fear not! Ask God to equip you with His Armour and take a stand knowing the battle is His and not yours. He will make a way and bring you through the dark and out into His glorious Light. All you need do is stand.

 

The Armor of God 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

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