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Ezra 8:21-23  There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22  I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

“I’d rather have God on my side that all of the armies of the world.” How many times during the reigns of the Judges did God do the impossible to protect His people? Look at Gideon: he faced an army of 135,000 with 35,000 men and the Lord reduced that to 300. He can protect us by His might or by becoming our hiding place.  But “if” we become His people, He will protect us.

So what do we have to do to “be” His people.  Ezra suggested fasting because fasting takes us closer to God.  What are you facing?  How difficult is the battle ahead?  Maybe you need to consider an intense time of fasting and prayer in order to allow Him to become your Jehovah-Nissi (God our protector).

Prayer: Lord, help me also to do those whatever it takes to grow closer to you and from that that you could be my Jehovah-Nissi.  Help me to remember that when the problems of my life appear to overcome my joy, that I have a protector who will keep me both safe and strong If I will work to bring me closer to Him.