Assertive God

June 2–Psalm 41-45

“You are my King, O God; command victories for Jacob. Through You we will push back our adversaries; through your name we will trample down those who rise up against us”(44:4-5).

It is a confidence we need to regain. As we follow Christ, we are to pray for VICTORY, to expect it. Discouragement is cancer of the soul. “I have overcome the world,” said Jesus. We are to believe it, pray it.

Assertiveness is scarce in this present hour. The moral relativism of the age shames believers who expect (or even desire) victory. Assertiveness of any kind is dismissed as moral arrogance.

The Scripture, however, does not share this uncertainty. Moral clarity is not equivalent to pride. Facing Goliath, young David felt no need to propose that “everyone is right”. The victory of God is good. The highest good!

An ever-present conflict boils in our world. “The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord and His Christ” (Psalm 2). Proud men resist the authority and glory of God. Does God ignore such rebellion? Should He?

Friedrich Nietzsche famously warned, “be careful when you fight the dragon, that you do not become a dragon.” Jesus also understood the danger of swords and anger and assertive power.

Even so, a believer needs to humbly hold a confidence in victory. The dragon must be fought. And defeated. Faith includes a certainty of the coming victory of God. The defeat of His enemies is not something for which the Righteous One apologizes, nor needs to.

Friend, do you rejoice in an assertive God? Do you agree that He is right to oppose and judge those who deny Him? Are you glad when truth prevails and God is honored?

“The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. . . to this end, we pray for you always” (2 Timothy 1:7-11).

“Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV).