A Weapon Against the Enemy

A psalm to remember what to do when I’m attacked.(combining Hebrew images from Psalm 143 and 138.)My spirit is overwhelmed within me. I feel trapped in darkness.I tremble with fear and shake with anger.O Lord, annihilate (tsamath) my enemies for they are trying to crush my heart and confuse my brain.Yet I know your Word (imrah) is the sword.  It can cut (tsamath) that cunning, snarling serpent to pieces. Help me draw that sword, your Word.I recall your victories from the past, your fulfilled promises from your Word (imrah). Remembering them, I bow down and lie prostrate before you.On my face, I stretch out my hands to you.  Bring your army of angels here, for I need your victory.  I am so grateful you are fighting my battles. Thank YOU. Thank you. THANK you.Your name (shem), O Lord, is all powerful.  To me, the entirety of your Presence shouts,  “Draw your sword.  Take the victory!  Here is Light!  Here comes peace!  Here, Beloved, is where you grab hold of your freedom!”I will not forget, Lord, your lovingkindness (checed) defeats my attackers — whether they are people, ideas, feelings, or pain.Your favor (checed) removes my shackles.  Your mercy (checed) swirls around me on this battle field, bringing victory. The enemy is being trampled. The sword severs the serpent.Inspire me to declare this:When there is an attack,your Word (imrah) is my weapon of choice, for it is Truth.Increase the power of your Word in my life.  Nourish me with it.Magnify (gadal) your Truth.Shine your magnifying glass on everything you say (imrah), O Lord.  Make your word so pronounced, so clear to me, that I drop my jaw in awe.  With you, let me sing, “The strife is over. The battle is won.” In Christ,