403rd Meditation
“If armies in camp should stand together against me, my heart shall not fear” (Ps 26:3).
Although the armies advancing against us are not visible, they are no less real than those engaged in physical warfare. We are surrounded by invisible enemies, who want to divert us from the way of salvation and, if they do not succeed, at least try to hinder us. This is what the Apostle Paul describes in the Letter to the Ephesians:
“Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but (…) against the spirits of wickedness in the high places” (Eph 6:12).
However, our focus is not on our enemies, but on the Father, who is the reason for our confidence. In our own strength it would be impossible to resist the overwhelming power of the enemies, the fallen angels. But it is precisely here that we are called to great trust, and this trust must extend to all areas of our life.
As the Holy Scriptures assure us again and again, our Father wants to give us that security which only in Him we can obtain. The devil, on the other hand, likes to instil fear in us and to make us forget that God always protects His own. How many hearts have been implanted with fear! Even among believers, not infrequently fear prevails over firm confidence, the latter of which in turn breeds courage and, through the Holy Spirit, the gift of fortitude.
What happened to the Israelites when, filled with fear as they were pursued by Pharaoh and his army, they would have preferred to return to Egypt?
“Moses said to the people: Fear not: stand and see the great wonders of the Lord, which he will do this day (…).The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Ex 14:13-14).
We can always count on the Lord and, grounded in trust, do our part.