Facing the Battles with God

<p>The heroic deeds of US Army soldier Desmond Doss are featured in the 2016 movie <em>Hacksaw Ridge.</em> While Doss&rsquo; convictions wouldn&rsquo;t allow him to take human life, as an army medic he committed himself to preserving life even at the risk of his own. The citation read at Doss&rsquo; Medal of Honor ceremony on October 12, 1945, included these words: &ldquo;Private First Class Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying them one by one to the edge of the escarpment. . . . He unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small arms fire to assist an artillery officer.&rdquo;</p> <p>In Psalm 11, David&rsquo;s conviction that his refuge was in God compelled him to resist suggestions to flee rather than face his foes (vv. 2&ndash;3). Six simple words comprised his statement of faith: &ldquo;In the <smallcaps>Lord</smallcaps> I take refuge&rdquo; (v. 1). That well-rooted conviction would guide his conduct.</p> <p>David&rsquo;s words in verses 4&ndash;7 amplified God&rsquo;s greatness. Yes, life can sometimes be like a battlefield, and hostile fire can send us scattering for cover when we&rsquo;re bombarded with health challenges or financial, relational, and spiritual stresses. So, what should we do? Acknowledge that God is the king of the universe (v. 4); take delight in His amazing capacity to judge with precision (vv. 5&ndash;6); and rest in His delight in what&rsquo;s right, fair, and equitable (v. 7). We can run swiftly to God for shelter!</p>