April 22 – Do Not Give Up in Battle

Psalm 18:32–33 –
"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights." (NIV)

SITREP:
When the terrain gets rough—when the ground beneath you shifts—what keeps you moving forward with confidence? Strength and balance are essential for survival. Psalm 18:32–33 reminds us that God not only equips His warriors with power, but also places their steps on secure ground.

This psalm was written by King David as a victory song after God delivered him from all his enemies, including King Saul. It’s not a peaceful hymn—it’s a warrior’s anthem. David speaks as a man who’s run for his life, fought on rough terrain, and navigated through treacherous landscapes—physically and spiritually. He didn’t make it by luck. He made it because God gave him the strength and footing to endure.

Let’s break it down:

• "It is God who arms me with strength…" – David didn’t rely solely on his military skill—he knew his strength was divine. God arms His warriors with power that goes beyond human limitation.
• "…and keeps my way secure." – In battle, knowing where you’re going—and that it’s safe—is critical. God didn’t just strengthen David; He secured the path beneath his feet.
• "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer…" – Mountain deer are swift and surefooted. They don’t stumble on uneven ground. That’s how God wants His soldiers to move—balanced and agile, even in unstable conditions.
• "…He causes me to stand on the heights." – High ground matters in warfare. It offers advantage, clarity, and strength. God doesn’t just sustain you—He elevates you to places of victory.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith:
If you’ve served in combat or trained for it, you know that physical strength isn’t enough—you also need balance, awareness, and steady footing. This psalm is spiritual reinforcement for the kind of warrior who keeps showing up, no matter how rough the terrain.

• "It is God who arms me with strength…"
• Training gives you tools. God gives you staying power—especially when you're spent.
• "And keeps my way secure…"
• On patrol, a safe path is life or death. Spiritually, God clears the way ahead, even if you don’t see the full map.
• "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer…"
• Balance under pressure. That’s what God builds in you—spiritual agility to move forward without falling apart.
• "He causes me to stand on the heights…"
• When you trust Him through the climb, God positions you for more than survival—He positions you for victory.

This isn’t about flawless execution. It’s about trusting the One who knows the terrain and equips you to navigate it without slipping.

ENDEX:
Psalm 18:32–33 is a battle cry for any warrior who’s climbing uphill. God has already armed you with strength. He’s secured the route ahead. And He’s setting your feet on solid ground—ground that leads not just to survival, but to strategic advantage and lasting victory.

So tighten your boots. Keep moving. Whether the path is steep, rocky, or uncertain—your footing is firm, because God placed it there.

You’ve been equipped. Your path is secure. Advance with confidence.

AAR (After Action Review):
If you’ve walked through a season where God gave you the strength to keep going—and kept you steady when everything felt unstable—share that story. It might be the message another soldier needs to take their next step with confidence.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.
Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.
Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.