Just when you think you have it made the adversary can sneak up and blindside you.  I’ve been fighting a particular sin issue.  I keep running this speech through my head…

Hold your ground – hold your ground! Sons of Gondor – of Rohan . . . my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. The day may come when the courage of Men fails; when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day – an hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the Age of Man comes crashing down – but it is not this day!!! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth – I bid you stand!

I wonder why I’m trying to take heart from a speech by a fictional character in a movie when I have the greatest heroes of all in Scripture who have faced far worse than Aragorn ever did.  The speech I need to keep in my head is…

Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you may go.

This day and every day.  His courage will never fail, and of His reign there will be no end.  He is my help and my salvation, my rock, my shield.