“…my loving ally…”
When things are tough, and our strength is being stretched, we want someone in our corner, on our side, someone who is for us – for you!
“The LORD is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him” (Psalm 144:2, NLT, bold added).
There have been two world wars where countries banded together against one another. Forming an alliance centered on common ground, together, the alliance was more powerful than the independence of a single country, and the strongest alliance brought victory. Through the years, countries who were once allies have become enemies or allies on paper but not at heart.
Motivation to align with another varies, but most would choose autonomy if realistic. When the enemy comes to attack, and your forces alone are not a match, preferences are set aside. A strong ally is imperative.
We have an ally that surpasses our understanding AND whose motive is pure. The New Living Translation captures God’s motivation for being our support with the description of “loving ally.” Other translations lay hold of it this way:
- Steadfast love (ESV)
- Goodness (KJV)
- Lovingkindness (NKJV)
- Faithfulness (NASB)
- Faithful love (HCSB)
- Friend (CEV)
- Protector (GNT)
- Kind one (YLT)
These translations convey the complexity of the Hebrew word “hesed” in the context of this verse. Reviewing the multiple translations shows how the New Living Translation landed on a loving ally.
Imagine a sold-out affiliate who believes in you and your purpose, and is willing to support you wholeheartedly. Counting on this ally to come through for you is an understatement, with their resources, power, wisdom, and years of experience entirely at your disposal.
Can you comprehend an ally who passionately loves you, is faithful through and through, fiercely protective, loyal, and at the same time pure goodness?
We have a loving ally who is all that has been described and more. In addition to being our loving ally, God is also our:
- Fortress – an impenetrable wall around us
- Tower of Safety – a secure safe place to run to
- Rescuer – a savior who delivers us
- Shield – a defense against the enemy’s weapons
- Refuge – a sanctuary of inner peace
These descriptors define the type of ally we want when the bill collector comes, the finances don’t match, the divorce papers are delivered, and our hearts are breaking, or the illness is determined to be terminal. Whether in a season of stability or difficulty, in the beginning, we figure out a way to manage. But when vast amounts of time separate the tough from the good periods, the difficult times become overwhelming. Treading mode becomes a drowning mode if there is no intervention.
We fail to realize that God is with us all the time through the excellent, the unstable or stable, and the challenging. He never leaves us. He is constant, reliable, and 100% for us, no matter what.
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid, and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31: 6, NLT
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13, ESV
“I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20, CEV
Breathing in these truths – God will never leave us, he is there for us, and he will help us – shape our perspective. Psalm 23 paints our loving ally as the good shepherd who promises, “Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live” (Psalm 22:6, CSB). With God as our ally, we will only see goodness and mercy pursuing us when in faith, we glance behind us.
I pray that you live with the confidence of the living God as your loving ally and that you will face your difficulties head-on, knowing God will not abandon you. May you live in the good times with gratefulness that your loving ally is always for you. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: God is for me
Reflect: Where in your life do you need God to be your loving ally? What causes you to rely on your sufficiency rather than seek God’s help? How can you remain grateful to God in times of peace? In addition to God as our Loving Ally, He is our Fortress, Tower of safety, Rescuer, Shield, and Refuge. Of this list, which one do you gravitate toward and why?
Rooted: Psalm 144; 1Samuel 17:31-37, 43-47; Romans 8:31-39
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Corresponding PODCAST References – E13: Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 62:1-2, 5-7 | Amy’s closing prayer: 2 Samuel 22:2-3
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(Bible References: NLT – New Living Translation, ESV – English Standard Version, NASB – New American Standard Bible, CEV – Contemporary English Version, YLT – Youngs Literal Translation, KJV – King James Version, NKJV – New King James Version, HCSB – Holman Christian Standard Bible, GNT – Good News Translation, CSB – Christian Standard Bible)
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