By Pastor Anthony L. Scott
“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” (Psalm 18:29 ESV)
Once of the most popular and often referenced books in the Bible is the Psalms. The Psalms deal with every emotion and reflect every human mood. There are moments when the writer speaks words of faith and comfort while other times expresses the agony of doubt and despair. No matter how we may be feeling, undoubtedly it will be touched upon in the Psalms.
The Eighteenth Psalm suddenly captivates us with the exuberance of a teenager. It gives a glimpse of life so thrilling we feel ready and capable of taking on the world. David writes in verse twenty-nine, “By my God I can leap over a wall.” There is nothing that can bind me or hold me if I know the presence of God. Life is unlimited and all things are possible if we know God.
This is a great word for those who feel life is closing in. Our biological life runs down with the passing of time. The routine of life closes in on us, work closes in on us., and if life closes in on all these areas, it tends to do so physically and spiritually as well.
This is also great encouragement when life gets blocked. In our youth this is not a problem nor a possibility. In our younger years, life is not about obstacles in the way but too many options to choose from. We soon discover in a short period of time options get blocked and opportunities are no longer options. It becomes increasingly difficult to go back to school and more hindering to be considered for some fields of employment. Failure blocks the way for others. You have tried something, it did not work, so you did not try it again. Then for many, obligations block the way. We have too much going on to drop and do what we really desire to do. Think of the number of people who have settled for second best and subsequently prevented from realizing their first choice.
For those who find life closing in or getting blocked off, there is good news. The Psalmist says, “Walls Can Be Jumped Over.”
For some the wall to leap over is cynicism and there are plenty of reasons to feel cynical. Another may be the wall of systemic oppression. As much of a barrier as this may be, let us rejoice that the psalmist says with God’s help we can even jump over that wall.
How shall we leap over the wall of fear? I talk to people who are frightened over the future, so they cling to what is familiar even when God has set a new direction. Fear of life surrounds many like a wall. It is good news that God gives us faith to untangle ourselves from the fears that paralyze us. God enables us to leap over walls in His strength and by His power.
In what ways does life seem to be closing in on you? How do you feel blocked off from life’s opportunities today? Here is your good news, “By Him you can run against a troop, and by your God you can leap over a wall!”
