Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua Part 9—Destroying Satan’s Strongholds
The people in the city of Jericho had heard of the things that God had done in Egypt and had heard that the children of Israel had crossed the river of Jordan on dry land. They sealed themselves behind the walls surrounding their city, securing the gates. They had somewhere in time built this stronghold. Behind these walls they could close in their ideas and keep out all others. They believed it could protect them, somehow. Despite their fearing the God of the Israelites; they did not see God as Glorious nor did they desire to worship Him. Many today like the people of Jericho believe in His existence and His power; but, do not worship Him as King of their lives. Joshua instructed the people as God had commanded them for this battle. They were to march around the city every day for 6 days with the warriors in front, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant surrounded by other priests carrying horns and then the remainder of the people behind. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. They were then to blow the horns and everyone shout—an act of faith and praise to God. The walls then all fell down. God crumbled the walls with one command from Him.
picture courtesy of @istockphoto.com
What walls or strongholds are you facing today? Are they strongholds of unbelievers that you have been witnessing to day after day with no results and you are discouraged over your ministry? Or are they strongholds that are even more personal within your own heart? Are there areas of fear, doubt, and discouragement because you feel so inadequate everyday as a Christian? You wish you had said the right thing or you wish you had shown the love of Christ in your actions or you just wish you could learn to keep your mouth shut sometimes? What is that stronghold of doubt and defeat which Satan chips away at every day of your life?
What philosophies or thoughts are penetrating your mind pressing you to compromise or to say, well maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad sin if I lied? Maybe it is ok to compromise my standards, it is the 21st century and after all, I am lonely—God will understand? Then that becomes the stronghold that stands between you and your intimate relationship with God, ultimately, stealing every ounce of the Joy of Your Salvation. What is the stronghold that you must take up your sword and battle today? What’s more, everyday of your life—new and fresh you must take up that same battle to fight for the Joy of Your Salvation in Christ and for the truth of the Gospel of Christ. Mine is that whispering voice of Satan reminding me that I am a failure. Why would God ever use me? The only weapon that I have is the truth of the word of God—Christ is my eternal salvation and I am secured by Him and in Him. He is the only one who can win this battle for me. That is the truth in 2 Corinthians 10 “3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
On my own, I am unable to stand; but, through Christ, God is my fortress, my stronghold. He tears down the walls of fear and doubt within my heart afresh each and every day and then surrounds me with His mighty towers. All I need do is call upon His name, raise my voice and shout to Him. I need to study His word, follow His command and leave the battle to Him. As David wrote, “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
Psalm 62:5-8
What are the Strongholds you face today? Can you praise the Lord who is our mighty Warrior because He is our Victory?
Listen to this beautiful song that was written and sung by Aaron Keyes titled Song of Moses.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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