There is no one like the God of Israel.^[i]
    He rides across the heavens to help you,
    across the skies in majestic splendor.
The eternal God is your refuge,
    and his everlasting arms are under you.
He drives out the enemy before you;
    he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’
So Israel will live in safety,
    prosperous Jacob in security,
in a land of grain and new wine,
    while the heavens drop down dew.
How blessed you are, O Israel!
    Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord?
He is your protecting shield
    and Yahweh Cheneb!
Your enemies will cringe before you,
    and you will stomp on their backs!

Deuteronomy 33:26-29, from “the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave to the people of Israel before his death” (v. 1)

Yahweh Cheneb: The LORD My Sword

How hard it is to be still and allow the Lord to fight for me. I despise conflict; I am by nature peace-loving and people-pleasing, and yet. Even in the midst of my conflict aversion, there are times it is hard not to defend myself.

When people attack “Christians” for something I did not do – often because of my faith. When my intelligence is insulted. When I am demeaned and disrespected. When I am reminded of my flaws. When I am swept aside.

But God does not sweep me aside. He sees me; He sees around me, better than I do. And unlike most other people, He is deeply invested in my good; He is more deeply invested in my life than I am. And He is protective.

He is Yahweh Cheneb. He is the Lord My Sword, and He will fight for me. My own weapons – down.