Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Pastor Graham Cooke has a wonderful saying, “when you’re going through life’s storms, ask who God is to your situation.”
Reminding ourselves of God’s nature is not a distant, Biblical concept, but a powerful weapon we can use in battle to bring encouragement to our daily lives.
When we face financial difficulties, we can turn to Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides. When we struggle with fear or anxiety, we can call upon Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts.
Since God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we can stand in the truth of Who He is in Scripture and declare His blessings over us.
Many of the names of God are found in the Old Testament, but that does not mean they are not relevant today.
Connecting with God’s nature not only allows us to pull on His goodness; it also takes our eyes off the enemy and puts them back on the Lord where they belong.
So much about us winning in spiritual warfare is dependent on us putting our eyes back on God.
When we focus on the enemy, we become weak and vulnerable. When we focus on the Lord, our spirits soar.
Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts
One of my favorite Names of God is Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. This is the Name I call on when I feel nothing is going my way, when I feel surrounded by my enemies, and when I need to be reminded that I am not alone.
Perhaps the most famous example of Jehovah Sabaoth in Scripture is the story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings. In this story, a hostile nation to the Israelites surrounded the house of Elisha, God’s prophet. Seeing the amassed armies, Elisha’s servant panicked and said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
Interestingly, Elisha did not partner with his servant’s negative report. He instead declared, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Here is the passage:
And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-17 NKJV).
This story reminds me that no matter how dark my circumstances can be, God is still working on my behalf. When I am facing impossible situations, I get to turn to God and say, “Jehovah Sabaoth, please reveal to me your hosts that are protecting me and fighting for me in this situation.”
Connecting to Jehovah Sabaoth
When you find yourself in the middle of a fight and feel completely surrounded, plant yourself firmly in God’s Word and realize the importance of standing with God in the midst of your fight. If your arms feel tired from carrying weapons, ask for the angelic realm to bring reinforcements. Say, “Not today, enemy. I cast you out of my life. The Lord of Hosts is at my side.”
If you feel tired and alone in the midst of battle, break off any attachments you may have with fear. Forgive anyone who has abandoned you in the past. Rebuke any lies that are saying you are alone and that your spiritual battle is bigger than the Lord’s ability to invade the situation. When you feel this way, call on Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. Consider this verse:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you’ (Psalm 91:1-2, 7).
As you ponder on the words of this verse and go throughout your day, ask yourself, “What am I trusting in?” Are you believing in your own strength? Your spouse? Or your bank account? Or are you trusting in the all-powerful, loving God?
If you want to know more about Jehovah Sabaoth and some other names of God, check out my latest book, Warring with Wisdom.
