There are some mornings I want to wave the white flag after only a few hours out of bed. Errands to run and phone calls to return, family drama and workplace dynamics to navigate, deadlines looming and emails pinging and so many things still left unfinished from yesterday’s to-do list. Some days it’s all too much and those frightful whispers full of fear and anxiety hiss in my ear.
Amidst the chaos and clutter of life, the prophet Jeremiah offers us this promise: But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion.
This isn’t just a verse for those in full-on warfare. I don’t believe it was meant to be a consolation only in seasons of illness or turmoil. He is there, too, of course, but in the stresses of everyday life, God desires to come through for us, to be our Champion – if only we would let Him.
Now, the idea of being fought for by a Mighty Champion sounds amazing. But practically? That would mean letting go of some control, allowing some things to be left undone or unsaid and giving God permission to do it His way rather than ours.
But as we try to loosen our controlling grip, Jeremiah gives us something else to do with our hands: praise. As we have difficult conversations and change the laundry and visit sick relatives and tackle that seemingly insurmountable to do list, He is Emmanuel – God with us. And so, we sing. We sing because it’s not all up to us and we’re not alone. We let go of that control, and we praise our Mighty Champion.
Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, a recently retired youth minister and the Director of Ministry Advancement for Blessed is She. She is passionate about teaching women how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus and speaking hope to weary hearts. Her favorite things include being an aunt to her five fantastic niece and nephews, the Saint Name Generator and whatever book she’s currently reading.
