God never sends His servant into the battle without placing a brook along the way.
“He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.” Psalm 110:7
David was no stranger to battle. He understood the danger of warfare and the strain of facing the enemy. He knew the fear that grips a man when death feels close and the loneliness that comes with standing in harm’s way.
A soldier would be weary. He would be tired. He would be thirsty.
Yet in this short verse, David makes a statement filled with hope and solace. Even in the heat of conflict, even in the pathway of danger, there is a brook. There is a place of refreshment. There is a God-provided source of strength along the road of battle.
THERE IS A BROOK IN THE WAY
v.7 — “He shall drink of the brook in the way…”
For the child of God, it is vital that we remember we are not without refreshment. We are not exempt from trials or trouble, and we will face our own battlefields in life. But what a blessing to know this truth: there is a brook in the way.
For the Christian, that brook is found in Christ, in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, in the Scriptures, and in the fellowship of the local church. God never sends His people forward empty-handed.
THE BROOK WILL NOT HELP IF IT IS NOT USED
Picture a soldier in the heat of battle — exhausted, thirsty, desperate for strength. The brook is right there in front of him. But he never stoops to drink. He sees it, but he does not apply it.
So it is with many believers. It is a blessing to know we have a brook, but it is essential that we use the brook. It is not enough to know we have a Saviour — we must go to Him. It is not enough to own a Bible — we must read it. We believe God answers prayer — but we must take time to pray. Refreshment is available, but it must be received.
THE ONE WHO HAS FOUND THE BROOK CAN BECOME A BROOK FOR ANOTHER
A Christian who has been refreshed, revived, and encouraged by God is uniquely positioned to help someone else standing in the same place they once stood. God often uses those who have drunk deeply to offer refreshment to others. Once you have found the brook, ask God to make you a brook in the way for someone else.
ILLUSTRATION
During the Thirty Years’ War, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee their home. One night, as they stayed in a small inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down in despair. Gerhardt comforted her by reminding her of God’s promises. Later, alone in a garden, he himself wept, feeling he had reached his darkest hour. Then the burden lifted, and sensing the Lord’s presence, he penned these words:
“Give to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head.”
Even in the night of sorrow, God placed a brook in the way.
