My God Fights for Me by Charity Gayle, Jeff Mathena, and Micah Tyler this version is done with People and Songs and is found on Charity Gayle’s album, Lord You Are My Song (with many excellent songs)
Song of Deliverance and Victory
I love this song. Not only does it have a cool and unique sound, but it has an incredibly encouraging message for people in all different circumstances. When we feel overwhelmed by the situations we face, it reminds us that God is sovereign and he loves us. When we put our lives in his hand we can depend on him delivering us. We should never take the credit for the victory though, because God is our shield and sword and he has fought the battle for us. It’s his victory, not ours.
David and Goliath
The first verse envisions David hearing Goliath curse at the armies of Israel. He was just a shepherd whose father had sent him to bring food to his brothers in the army facing this giant. But this great army of God’s people didn’t know who they belonged to. They didn’t see God as their captain. They only saw Goliath’s size and absorbed his penetrating and intimidating words. They feared. But David knew and experienced the protection of his God in battle against a lion and bear in the fields with the sheep. He knew he didn’t have to be stronger than Goliath because he wasn’t facing him alone. He wasn’t discouraged by the mocking of his brothers or the doubts of Saul or others, he was mad that this giant was being allowed to curse the people of God. So with a sling, a stone, and finally, Goliath’s own sword, David killed the giant. God made sure of it. 1 Samuel 17 As long as we are on the Lord’s side we can be assured of victory no matter how great the odds look. Comment below on how you can know you are on the Lord’s side in any situation.
Daniel in the Lion's Den
The next verse envisions Daniel having been thrown in a den of lions, yet still alive and at peace enough to sleep. He knew he was in the hands of God. He trusted and depended so much on his relationship with God that he was willing to talk to him openly when it was against the law. The stated punishment for which was being to be fed to lions. He probably wasn’t surprised by his survival, but everyone else was, especially his enemies who ended up lion chow in his place. In addition, he was a testimony of the sovereignty of God to the most powerful king in the known world of the time. Daniel 6. Might this be a word to the churches today to continue to gather to pray and worship no matter the edicts of government and then to trust God to handle the results? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. What other situation in your life might it apply to?
Mary and the Alabaster Box
The third verse envisions Mary, whose whole purpose of the moment was the consuming desire to worship Jesus with the greatest sacrifice she could think of. He had been her family friend, defending her sitting and listening at his feet while her sister Martha had served the men gathered with him at their house. He had raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. Now he was at the nearby house of a judgmental group of religious leaders and disciples who were once again content to talk while Martha again served. Yet Mary had such a love and gratitude in her heart for the one she understood to be her Messiah that she lovingly broke her alabaster box containing extremely expensive perfume, and poured it out on his head and feet in an awesome act of worship. She then proceeded to wipe his feet with her hair and tears. Jesus told those who criticized the apparent waste that she had anointed his body for burial and would always be remembered for it. Her close relationship with him had led her to do what was unexpectedly proper for the one who would become her Savior through his death, burial, and resurrection beginning in just six days. Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-8. What sacrificial offering are you bringing to Jesus? Maybe God has laid something on your heart to do or give or change. Maybe those around you wouldn’t understand and would consider it a waste. Remember God is worthy and he has ranked its importance and reward. Is your relationship with him worth the sacrifice? He will defend you if you step out in faith.
The Lord is Our Sword and Shield
The bridge emphasizes that the Lord is our shield and sword, and that victory belongs to him. This leads to the final verse which turns attention on us in our personal struggles. We may see giants in our path or feel trapped in some situation. We may even be burdened with a need to bow down and pray. Yet in all our heavy situations we can be assured that our God fights for us. We just must remember to stay in his hands and surrender control of our lives to him in faith and not stress because the victory is the Lord’s.
Final Reflections
Can you think of another song or scripture that emphasizes the point that our God fights for us and will be victorious? I encourage you to listen to this song, read the passages, and worship God for the victory even before it’s seen. Please comment and subscribe if you would like to join me in these worship song inspired devotionals.
Jerry
Good comment and interesting, in that you assume that it’s the same Mary, as in Mary and Martha. It may well have been Mary Magdelane, Or one of the other Mary’s mentioned in scripture, or any other Mary for that matter.
Christy
I made this assumption based on the John 12:1-8 version of the story in which it mentions that it is in Bethany and Martha is serving and Lazarus is present.