Psalm 5:11-12 NIV
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
I just finished watching a series about Vietnam. One of the stories that stood out to me was a young man entering into his first combat mission as a sergeant. His platoon was sent to assist a group of men who had been engaging the enemy for several days. When those being relieved saw him, one of them told him to take off his stripes. He refused because he had worked so hard to earn his rank. They replied that it would be his funeral since the enemy was taking aim at the leaders first.
If you are a leader, then there will be people who will take aim at you. David had plenty of enemies and some even among his own family. There is a lesson in leadership that we all should learn. As a leader, we have to learn where to find joy. Even though David was faced with tremendous troubles, he had learned to take refuge, and find joy, in God.
We take refuge in God by getting closer to him. Who has ever heard of someone hiding from the enemy in front of their stronghold? To take refuge in God we get close through prayer, Bible study, and even singing (for all you who do not sing in church - you may be wearing your stripes and giving the enemy a target to shoot).
God blesses the leader (all people) who do the right things. He surrounds them with His favor. He shields them so they can continue.
Take time to find joy in God, especially as a leader. We all need a place to retreat from time to time and taking refuge in God is the best place to be centered and find our purpose. Take the target off and let God be your shield. It takes vulnerability but it is worth it.
Leave a comment, keep reading, and join us at faithcovington.org
No comments:
Post a Comment