They Cried to God in the Battle,
The sermon emphasizes the importance of establishing a habit of looking upward and crying to God, even in the midst of trials, and trusting in God's promise to be mindful of those who put their trust in Him.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God before entering the battles of life, suggesting that many neglect morning prayers and only cry out to God in the midst of struggles. He illustrates that true strength comes from maintaining a habit of looking upward and trusting in God, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges. Meyer reassures believers that God is always attentive to their cries and will respond to those who put their trust in Him. He encourages the faithful to approach God boldly, confident in His readiness to provide help in times of need.
Text
They cried to God in the battle,
and He was entreated of them. 1 Chron. v. 20.
WHETHER they cried to God before they went into the battle we are not told; but probably they did, because we read that the war was of God, and it is hardly likely that they would have prayed to Him in the midst of the fight, when the foemen's blows fell like hail on their armour, if they had not prayed before they entered the bloody fray. Men often excuse themselves for neglecting their morning devotions by saying that they will surely look to God, as they may require his gracious help, in the midst of the day's temptations and needs; but, as a matter of fact, when once they are plunged into its war they forget to look up. You must direct your prayer in the morning, and look up whilst the early shadows lie long on the dewy grass, if you would keep looking off to Jesus, amid the din of the fight.
It is very lovely to contract and preserve this habit of looking upward, and crying to God in the battle. When our feet are slipping, when the foe seems about to overmaster, when heart and flesh fail ‑‑ how refreshing and strengthening to fling one eager look or cry to heaven, and say, "I am thine, save me." There can be no doubt as to the issue. God is always intreated of those who put their trust in Him. Sooner might a mother forget her sucking child than God be unmindful of one sigh, or tear, or upward glancing look from his own. Oh, child of God, put thou thy trust in God, and go through this tempestuous world as one who is confident of a Divine Ally. At any moment He will ride on the heavens to thy help. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Crying to God in the Battle
- The Danger of Neglecting Morning Devotions
- The Assurance of God's Help
- The habit of looking upward and crying to God
- The benefits of this habit
- The tendency to forget God in the midst of the day's temptations
- The importance of directing prayer in the morning
- God's promise to be mindful of those who put their trust in Him
- The confidence of a Divine Ally in the midst of trials
Key Quotes
“You must direct your prayer in the morning, and look up whilst the early shadows lie long on the dewy grass, if you would keep looking off to Jesus, amid the din of the fight.” — F.B. Meyer
“Oh, child of God, put thou thy trust in God, and go through this tempestuous world as one who is confident of a Divine Ally.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Establish a habit of looking upward and crying to God in the morning to help you navigate the day's temptations.
- Put your trust in God and be confident of a Divine Ally in the midst of trials.
- Come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.