Finding Your Shield on the Battlefield

A few weeks have past, and most of the excitement over the Grammy Awards have blown over. The first thing I should establish before writing this post is that I did not watch the Grammy's when it was on. I did, however, read many articles and watched some highlights and performances of the night-so I know the most of what happened. As I was watching some of these performances, and also reminiscing back to the Miley Cyrus explosion over the past year, I feel as if many Christians have lost hope. We feel as if this world is too secular for us, and the light of Jesus Christ is fading quickly. There are many moments where I have felt that-especially being enrolled in college. I don't want this post to be focused on what is wrong in this world, rather I want it to be of the hope and truth we have because of The Father. Psalm 3:2-6 says:

    

"Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." "Selah"  But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.  To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. "Selah"  I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.  I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side."

I can literally hear the hope in David's voice when he is writing this Psalm. What an overwhelming feeling of love! During this time in our society where people may try to bring you down, and the media will tell you that acting in a secular way is the best way-not only should you cling to this verse, but you should CLING to our God! 

                                       "...but you are a shield around me, O LORD...."

God will protect and deliver you from the impurities of this world, if you choose to value Him over everything. He will show you forgiveness and love if you love him to the best of your human ability. 

                     "...I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side..."

If we choose to cling to The Almighty and we choose to grow in Him spiritually, we should not fear the earthly tragedies that are going on. We don't have to be afraid, because Christ is with us! (Romans 8:31). We could literally have thousands of people trying to tear us down and discourage us (like David), but the power of God is greater than anything trouble we have. He will love you and sustain you. 

Like I mentioned earlier in the post, I find myself giving up on hope sometimes. I feel defeated, knocked-down, and exhausted. It is tiring seeing scandal after scandal in the media that is focused on such ungodly and secular things. However, it is not all entirely like that! There are many people that I have found in the "spotlight" that bring the love of Christ with them. 

Natalie Grant  (who was nominated for 2 Grammy awards this year!) is a Christian artist that is currently touring the country singing about the love of God. Though she is considered a musical artist in the "Christian Industry", she has a big following of unbelievers. She also attended the Grammy's, which you can read about her experience here. 

The Cast of "Duck Dynasty" also known as the Robertson clan, have had a major impact in our society since the show started a few years ago. If you are a caveman, and live under a rock-the show follows the Louisiana rednecks in their duck call making business. The Robertson's are also devout Christians, and choose to pray at the end each episode. For this being "reality television", it is very reassuring that the stars are a positive, uplifting, and Christ-centered family. 

Justen Harden is the Josh Turner of the 90's kids. He has a remarkable deep voice, which brings a unique and refreshing sound to country music. He is a star of "Vine", a year-old app that allows people to make videos in 6 seconds or less. Justen is not one of the typical guys on the app that choose to make secular or suggestive videos, but instead he chooses to sing covers of modern and classic country songs, and also regularly sings worship songs. Justen currently has almost 300,000 followers on the app, which clearly reaches followers as well as non-followers of Christ. Justen, only being about 19 or 20 years old (like me!) has accomplished more for the kingdom of God than most people can say about themselves...and he has years to come. 

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I pray that you, like myself, am encouraged this week in the Word and from other believers of the Alpha and Omega. We are in fact the body of Christ-so naturally bonding with our spiritual brothers and sisters is always an encouraging thing. Please pray for those I mentioned earlier ^. I know how difficult it is to be a Christian in a college class of 15, so I can only imagine how difficult it can be for those who have the world eying their every move. Until next time...

In His forever,

Cassandra 

                                            ^ image found at www.landisvalleyfellowship.org